North Carolina Schools Gear Up for Fall Deadline to Meet School Threat Assessment Teams

Asheville, N.C. – May 23, 2024

This time last year, talks ramped up at the state level surrounding school safety, which is how North Carolina House Bill 605 came to be. The bill requires all North Carolina public school districts to have a threat assessment team in place by the start of the 2024-2025 school year. While many already had a threat assessment team in place prior to the bill, this summer is important in making sure things are ready for next year for many schools — but by the state’s standards.

Preparation for the Deadline

“We’ll make sure, at the start of the year, we’re ready to hit the ground running,” Asheville City Schools Student Services Executive Director Kimberly Robinson said Wednesday, May 22. “It’s going to bring more attention to the things we need to tighten up on. We make sure we have all the processes and procedures in place as far as the key components of who should be a part of it.”

The teams are assembled to identify potential threats from students, and they then work with said individuals and their families to address the issues.

Importance of Inclusion

Many districts, like ACS, have had teams in place for years that are comprised of different members like administrators and student services staff. However, the state’s legislation wants to see more inclusion for other positions.

“The school resource officer, the school psychologists, and someone from our exceptional children’s department,” Robinson explained. “We’ll really be able to work with them over the summer.”

Enhanced Training and Support

The emphasis on the teams led to ACS applying for — and receiving — a Safe Schools grant. That, along with a partnership with Navigate360, will allow for staff beyond the assessment team to be ready for potentially threatening situations.

“For individuals like custodians, teachers, bus drivers, there will be a general overall training,” Robinson said. “We’re making sure that students are aware that there are people out there and we are here to support them. They have someone to go to.”

Looking Ahead

As the fall deadline approaches, North Carolina schools are gearing up to ensure their threat assessment teams are compliant with the new requirements set forth by House Bill 605. The safety and well-being of students remain a top priority for both educators and lawmakers.

For more information about the teams and House Bill 605, visit the official North Carolina Public Schools website.

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