The Federal Commission on School Safety will make a stop in Cheyenne for a public listening session. This is one of four sessions happening across the country to gather views on how to make schools safer. Similar events have already happened in Washington, DC and Lexington, Kentucky.
On August 7, state education leaders from the region will share their input alongside state and local officials during roundtable discussions starting at 1 p.m. From 4 to 6 p.m. members of the public will also have an opportunity to speak.
As to why Wyoming was selected as a site for the listening session, Wyoming Department of Education Chief of Staff Dicky Shanor said part of it is Cheyenne’s central location.
"They were really trying to get a spot centrally located within this mountain region," said Shanor. "And I know Superintendent Balow has a good working dialogue with Secretary DeVos so I think that probably all those factors played into being selected."
The commission’s visit coincides with a state summit on school safety also happening in Cheyenne the next day.
“We’re going to be fortunate to have some of the federal officials still here to participate in our state summit, the discussions and dialogue,” said Shanor.
Breakout sessions at the state summit will focus on hardening school facilities, cooperation with law enforcement and mental health.
The general public is welcome at both events. Members of the public who would like to make remarks at the federal commission listening session need to register in advance.
