McCombie joins IEA school safety effort

SPRINGFIELD — State representatives Tony McCombie of Savanna and Fred Cresp of Hoffman Estates are working with the Illinois Education Association on legislation to track compliance on school security issues, IEA President Kathi Griffin said on Wednesday.

Griffin, in a news conference held in the wake of the Nov. 30 school shooting in Michigan, is calling on school districts that are not adhering to state school safety laws to immediately comply with 2019′s School Threat Assessment Bill.

The law empowers districts to develop and implement threat assessment procedures and access county sales tax money to pay for such initiatives.

“Violence is increasing in our schools across the state,” Griffin said. “Our educators should not have to constantly worry about their safety and the safety of their students. This is not their problem to solve. They’re under enough stress already. School administrators need to take immediate action to keep our students, staff and communities safe.”

In a news release, McCombie said: “The children of our state are our most important asset. We must ensure threat assessment plans are not only created, but also followed to keep our students safe.”

Griffin reminded districts they can use Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds to hire more staff to address mental health issues students may be facing.

The Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state’s largest union, representing teachers and education support staff.