Calvert County forms advisory committee to recommend student safety and well‑being measures

The Calvert County Student Safety and Well‑Being Advisory Committee held its first meeting to introduce members, outline its advisory authority and begin a brainstorming process on safety and wellness priorities. Chair Dana Jones said the committee is voluntary and will submit a final report to the Board of County Commissioners based on the county resolution that created the body.

Deputy County Administrator Linda Turner reviewed the committee’s charge, noting it is an advisory group that must follow the Maryland Open Meetings Act, observe a one‑vote‑per‑member rule and adhere to a code of ethics. “We will be coming up with quick wins, short‑term recommendations and long‑term recommendations,” Turner said, and staff will document meeting minutes and circulate materials electronically. The committee agreed to solicit presentations from partner agencies and community organizations to inform recommendations.

Members emphasized a collaborative, community‑wide approach rather than treating safety as only a school system problem. The committee’s initial brainstorming categories included general safety, security measures, transportation safety, prevention of school violence, emergency preparedness, mental‑health and well‑being, and cybersecurity. Chair Jones set a recurring schedule; the committee voted to meet monthly on the third Wednesday at 2 p.m. starting next cycle.