Local Leaders Hold Summit to Discuss Gun Violence Prevention in Schools

By BCN

Hundreds of leaders in education, law enforcement, politics and mental health services have gathered in Redwood Shores today for a summit organized by U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier on preventing gun violence in San Mateo County schools.

Speaking as part of a panel on school and community safety, San Mateo police Chief Susan Manheimer said school districts and police need to get better at sharing information and preventing behavior that can lead to violence, such as bullying.

"We need to know we've done everything we can on the side of intervention and prevention," she said. "We need to connect the dots and look at potential threats."

San Mateo Union High School District Superintendent Scott Laurence said mental health services need be available to students in distress.

"We need to have partners in the mental health community," he said. "We need to collaborate."

The summit, "Beyond Newtown: How to Ensure Safe Schools and Communities," was organized in conjunction with supervisors Adrienne Tissier and Don Horsley; Sheriff Greg Munks; former Asemblyman Gene Mullin; and the San Mateo County Office of Education.

It is taking place at the Oracle Conference Center from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., but is closed to the public because of space limitations.

Copyright
© 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any
other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc.
is prohibited.

It's Monday, so you can bet there's plenty more news on Patch:

• San Carlos Residential Rental Rates Vary Wildy
• SCCT Discovers 'There's No Place Like Home'
• Bed Bugs Discovered in Unlikely Place

• Parents and School Board at Odds Over RWS Kindergarten Assignments
• Belmont Bank Robber Makes Off With Cash
• Op-Ed: Nesbit Exemplifies the Spirit of Excellence
• Compare Rents in Belmont by Neighborhood