Board reviews safety‑plan updates and draft mental‑health policy required by state law

Rocklin Unified staff presented two information items on March 18: revised administrative regulation BPAR 0450 (comprehensive safety plan) and a draft board policy on student mental health (BP 5141.5), both intended to align district practice with California Education Code requirements.

Hannah Anderson explained the safety‑plan revisions clarify development, annual review and coordination with local emergency responders and will be implemented through school site councils and annual directions to principals. Trustees asked how community partners are invited to safety plan discussions; Anderson said staff maintains an annually updated contact list and that, in practice, police and fire representatives typically attend site council safety meetings. Trustees requested a copy of the recommended contact list and asked staff to standardize any optional language across grade bands.

Elizabeth Davidson introduced the draft mental‑health policy, required under SB 153/Ed. Code 49428.2, which sets referral protocols, supports for higher‑risk students and staff training requirements (the district must provide evidence of training by 2029). Trustees asked for details on implementation: who will develop and deliver training (local district, county office, or community partners), how referrals are vetted and approved, what credentials on‑campus providers hold (counselors with PPS credentials, psychologists, LMFTs), and how peer‑counselor programs are supervised. Davidson said staff will provide follow‑up communications summarizing training plans, referral resources and peer counselor roles before the policy returns for action.