Delaware Eyes Comprehensive School Safety Plans

Gov. Jack Markell is signing legislation aimed at making Delaware’s schools safer.

A bill to be signed into law on Monday creates a statewide framework for comprehensive school safety plans known as the Omnibus School Safety Act.

The act requires the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security to work with schools, districts and first responders to develop a comprehensive school safety plan for each public school and district.

Each plan will be coordinated with law enforcement agencies, fire departments and other first responders and will comply with the National Incident Management System.

Under existing laws and regulations, school districts are required to adopt emergency preparedness plans, but there is no requirement that such plans be school-specific or coordinated with local first responders.