Erie Public Schools is launching a comprehensive suicide prevention and crisis response initiative aimed at strengthening how the district supports students and staff.<\/p>\n
During the district\u2019s March 11 school board meeting, officials will review their current partnership with UPMC as part of the effort.<\/p>\n
District leaders say the work goes far beyond policy.<\/p>\n
Officials plan to closely examine day-to-day practices across the district, including communication systems, staff training, community partnerships, and how schools respond to real-world crises.<\/p>\n
We spoke with school board president John Breneman about why this work is so important.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause of the diversity in our district, we want to make sure that all voices are represented,\u201d Breneman said. \u201cDifferent cultures have different experiences and different ways of reaching people. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn\u2019t fit anybody, so we need to make sure we\u2019re reaching everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Breneman says the district is bringing in staff, students, and leaders from across the state to help guide the effort.<\/p>\n