- The world continues to change. What happens when two of the most valued institutions in America’s history are forced to either unite or ignore each other? What response does the words “Columbine (13), Robb (21), Santa Fe (10), Marjory Stoneman Douglas (17), Sandy Hook (27), Virginia Tech (32), and Uvalde (21) (these seven account for 141 of 169 school mass shooting deaths)” bring to you. Is it something terrible that happened somewhere else? Does it develop feelings of hibernation from the public school system? Does it in any way provoke thoughts of preparing for the worst, to help reduce the chances of becoming “Headline News”?
- This presentation will highlight unified efforts underway in Southwest Washington through a partnership with Educational Service District (ESD) 112, Emergency Responders, and Emergency Management Agencies. This effort was brought about by legislation under RCWs 28A.320.125 ; 28A.310.510 and 28A.320.125(h), identifying the need for all three to participate in the effort to make schools safer.
Corina McEntire is the Comprehensive School Safety-Public Health Coordinator for ESD 112 which serves six counties in S.W. Washington. Corina’s visionary work to connect schools, emergency response and emergency management agencies in response to the growing threats facing our schools, is instrumental to the safety and well-being of students, staff, volunteers, and parents. Corina has worked at ESD 112 over the last twenty years and obtained her Master of Public Affairs degree from Washington State University.
Larry Hembree currently serves as the Director of Emergency Management, reporting to Cowlitz County Sheriff Brad Thurman. He has unique experience related to this project that includes roles as an emergency responder; school district volunteer, substitute aid, teacher, school board member; as well as an emergency management Outreach Coordinator and Director. Larry’s work with Cowlitz County’s School Alliance For Emergencies (SAFE) and Chair Lacey Griffiths, Associate Principal at R.A. Long High School in Longview, Washington, along with the Lower Columbia School Safety Summit Leadership Team of Superintendent Mary Beth Tack and Director of Student Services and Assessment Gunnar Guttormsen from the Kelso School District along with Lacey, has provided Larry perspectives that are current, real, and relevant. Larry is currently certified by the State of Washington as an All-Hazards ICS/NIMS Course Instructor and participated in the Emergency Management Institute’s (EMI) “Multi-Hazard School Planning” pilot.