INFORMATIONAL

 The purpose of this memo is to provide information to division superintendents about
 the Governor's New Partnership Community Safety Awards Program as well as a copy of 
 the nomination package/brochure. 

 In June 1998, Governor Gilmore established the Governor's New Partnership Commission 
 for Community Safety. The commission was charged by the Governor with identifying 
 initiatives to promote community safety in Virginia, particularly those targeting 
 youth and family safety, school violence, better use of technology, and involvement 
 of the business community.  Since that time, the commission has been able to identify 
 many outstanding examples of community safety programs across the Commonwealth. 

 In an effort to honor and bring recognition to these and other outstanding community
 safety programs at the state and local levels, the commission has created the first
 annual Governor's New Partnership Community Safety Awards Program. There are several
 categories in which nominations are being accepted, including a category for outstanding 
 community safety efforts in schools. 

 The Department of Criminal Justice Services is coordinating the awards program and the 
 Department of Education is cooperating with that agency's efforts. We encourage all 
 who are interested in the program to submit nominations in accordance with the 
 guidelines in the nomination package. Questions about the awards program may be directed 
 to Doug Smith at the Department of Criminal Justice Services at (804) 786-9469. 

 PDS/saj

 Enclosure:
 A hard copy of this memeo and its attachments will be sent to the superintendent's 
 office.