INFORMATIONAL

The safety of our students is of paramount concern to all Virginians.  Accordingly, 
the 1999 Virginia General Assembly amended §22.1-278.1 of the Code of Virginia by 
requiring the Board of Education to develop a Model School Crisis Management Plan 
by July 2000.  In response to heightened concerns about school safety following the 
Colorado school shootings in April 1999, the schedule for developing the plan was 
accelerated.  The plan was reviewed and approved by the Board of Education at its 
June 24, 1999 meeting. It is intended to serve as a resource for schools in 
developing viable, effective crisis management plans.

During the week of November 1, 1999, copies of the newly developed Model School 
Crisis Management Plan were mailed to superintendents, all school principals, and 
each Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act coordinator in every public 
school division in Virginia.   
 
A disk copy was also included with each mailed copy.  Please check the inside front 
cover of the publication.  This disk may be duplicated locally as needed.  In 
addition, copies may be downloaded from the Department of Education's website: 
http://www.pen.k12.va.us.  

Questions about the Model School Crisis Management Plan may be directed to 
Arlene Cundiff in the Office of Compensatory Programs at (804) 225-2871.

PDS/ADC/saj