Mental Health to Metal Detectors: Creating Safe School Environments for Students, Teachers, and the Community
Presented at TASA TASB Convention 2018 by:
Dr. David Hicks, Superintendent, Sherman ISD
Tracy Koller, MA, Senior Director Youth Services, MHMR Tarrant
Karen Ranus, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness
Leesa Vardeman, Partner, VLK Architects
Kenneth Hutchens, Principal of Creative, VLK Architects
This presentation provides an overview of creating safe schools by creating positive, safe, and comfortable school environments, benefiting the mental health of students and staff. Professionals representing mental health organizations provided resources and ways to approach the daily issues facing today’s schools. Processes will also be outlined for working with first responders in the design of school campuses.