Whitefish officials picked for state committee

A Whitefish school administrator and law enforcement official have been named to a statewide emergency response committee.

Whitefish High School Principal Kerry Drown and Assistant Police Chief Bridger Kelch join 14 others from around the state on the Office of Public Instruction’s All Hazard Emergency and Response Plans negotiated rulemaking committee, which looks to better implement emergency response plans in Montana schools.

The committee will provide OPI Superintendent Elsie Arntzen with a proposed amendment to an article in the Administrative Rules of Montana requiring a policy for implementation of all hazard emergency and response plans in schools.

The committee will also consult on the preparation of an economic impact statement for the proposed amendment.

Arntzen noted the always-present need for securing school safety.

“I am honored to bring together this diverse group of Montanans for the important purpose of making our schools safer,” Arntzen said. “Emergency plans should reflect the unique needs of our communities through local control, but we must all do our part to ensure that Montana schools and students are safe.”

Five OPI staff members and one Montana Board of Public Education staff member will also serve on the committee.

After the committee finishes its work, the amendment proposal will go to the Board of Public Education for approval. The committee began its work earlier this month in Helena.

For more information on OPI, visit http:opi.mt.gov.