Governor Josh Stein has announced the creation of the Advisory Council on Student Safety and Well-Being. This initiative was revealed at Moore Square Magnet Middle School and aims to enhance student safety and well-being across North Carolina. The council is co-chaired by Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch, Deputy Secretary William “Billy” Lassiter of the Department of Public Safety, and 2024 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Heather Smith.
Governor Stein stated, “North Carolina’s children are our future, and it is crucial that they grow and learn in a safe environment that sets them on the right trajectory to thrive. I am proud to establish this council of educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement to identify ways to better keep our classrooms safe and our children healthy.”
Sydney Batch emphasized the state’s responsibility in ensuring student safety: “Ensuring the safety of our students is not up for debate — it’s a fundamental responsibility of our state government. Every child in North Carolina deserves the freedom to learn in a secure, supportive environment. I’m proud to co-chair this council and committed to advancing real, enforceable policies that keep our kids safe and our schools strong — and I’m ready to work with anyone willing to get that important work done.”
Deputy Secretary Lassiter, who is part of the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, remarked, “Student and school staff security and wellbeing is an essential part of public safety. We must use the tools at our disposal to upgrade the physical infrastructure of our schools and train our school staff how to recognize and respond to the early warning signs that can lead to public safety threats. We know our students must feel safe and have a healthy mental well-being to achieve academically. Working together, we can keep our students and our schools safe.”
Drawing from her classroom experience, Heather Smith noted the challenges students face when they do not feel secure: “What I’ve seen in my classroom is that if students don’t feel safe, if they are not supported, it’s so much harder for them to learn. Our commitment to giving students the best starts with looking out for their safety and well-being, and I am eager to jump into this work.”
The advisory council will collaborate with state agencies and local leaders to propose and implement measures for improved student safety and well-being. Their initial focus will be on supporting schools in making classrooms cell phone-free, in collaboration with the General Assembly.
The council comprises various members from across educational, health, and safety sectors in North Carolina, including state officials, educators, school administrators, and public safety experts.
