About
The Maryland Safe to Learn Act of 2018 (Senate Bill 1265) was signed into law by Governor Hogan on April 10, 2018, and it significantly altered and expanded the role of the Maryland Center for School Safety. The legislation established the School Safety Subcabinet, and School Safety Advisory Board. The Subcabinet serves as the regulatory authority and as the governing board of the Center, and its members are identified in statute. The Advisory Board serves as counsel to the Subcabinet.
Members
The Advisory Board serves as counsel to the Subcabinet and is chaired by Dr. Michael Martirano, Superintendent, of Howard County Public Schools. The Governor selects the Chair from the current Advisory Board membership. The Advisory Board represents a number of agencies and stakeholder groups, and they are as follows:
- Dr. Michael Martirano, Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland
- Katherine Klausmeier, Maryland State Senate
- Eric Ebersole, Maryland House of Delegates
- Karin Bailey, Maryland Association of Boards of Education
- Dr. Kellie Anderson, School Psychologist
- Pamela Gaddy, Maryland State Education Association
- James T. Bell, Parent of a Public School Student
- Rafael Lopez, Secretary, Department of Human Services
- Vincent Schiraldi, Secretary, Department of Juvenile Service
- Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli, Maryland Sheriffs’ Association
- Chief Paul Kifer, Maryland Chiefs of Police Association
- Laurel Moody, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems
- David Engel, Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center
- Claire Cabral, Maryland Association of Student Councils
- Dr. Sharon A. Hoover, Center for School Mental Health
- Megan Berger, Disability Rights Maryland
- Joseph Cormier, Parent of a Child with Disabilities
- Thomas E. Alban, Representative of a Non-Public School
- Lee-Nadine Oppenheim, Non-Public Special Education Facility
- Detective Lawrence E. Smith, Balt. City School Police, MD Association of SROs
- Michael Brown, Representative of School Principals
- Dr. Tia McKinnon, Special Education Representative
- Leigh Thurmond Weihs, MPH, CRNP Maryland Association of School-Based Health
- Vacant, Representative of School Bus Drivers
Student Focus Group
The Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) Student Focus Group representatives work closely with the advisory board, providing feedback and recommendations regarding school safety issues. To learn more about the Student Focus Group, please visit the
Student Voice Page.
Advisory Board Agenda and Minutes
Meeting Documents from Agenda 2024
Meeting Date
| Agenda
| Meeting Transcript *
| Documents and Archived Video
|
February 5
| Upcoming
|
|
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March 4
| Upcoming
| |
|
June 3
| Upcoming
| |
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Meeting Documents from Agenda 2023
Meeting Documents from Agenda 2022
A member of the public is invited to attend and observe any open meeting session but may not participate in the session unless the meeting agenda specifically includes a section for public testimony or comment.
Please be advised that some Advisory Board minutes and footage may move into a closed session, if needed, pursuant to Maryland Code, § 3- 305 of the General Provisions Article.