Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Kentucky school districts are emphasizing safety during ‘Safe Schools Week,’ led by the Kentucky Center for School Safety. The initiative promotes a safe environment for students and staff, encouraging community involvement in safety discussions. A recent vote by the Warren County school board declined a proposal for character-based Bible education at a local elementary school, while new legislation aims to improve safety measures, including wearable panic buttons and bus monitoring systems. Ongoing efforts stress the importance of proactive safety measures beyond this week’s focus.
Bowling Green, Kentucky — Kentucky school districts are prioritizing school safety this week during “Safe Schools Week.” This initiative is spearheaded by the Kentucky Center for School Safety (KCSS), which encourages schools to engage in discussions surrounding various aspects of safety within educational environments. The focus is on promoting a safe atmosphere for all students and staff members.
Patricia Greer, the Director of the Kentucky Center for School Safety Resource Center, emphasizes that school safety is a multifaceted issue requiring the involvement of students, parents, and the broader community. Lori Downs, the Assistant Director at Barren County School District, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the collective effort needed to ensure the safety of students.
This year’s theme for school safety week is “Focus on School Safety,” which aims to raise awareness and encourage proactive safety measures in schools. Greer also advocates for developing a culture within schools that promotes reporting concerns. Students are encouraged to speak up if they notice anything troubling. Additionally, if students do not feel they have a trusted adult to confide in, they can use the S.T.O.P. tip line operated by Kentucky Homeland Security to report any concerns.
Although this week is dedicated to school safety, Greer underscores that maintaining safety is an ongoing commitment beyond just one week. In related news, the Warren County school board recently voted against a proposal for character-based Bible education sessions at Alvaton Elementary School. The proposed program, presented by LifeWise Academy, aimed to provide weekly sessions for first and second graders starting on October 20, 2025.
The proposal garnered a 2-3 vote against it, with board members raising concerns over the ambiguity surrounding “moral instruction,” potential safety issues for students walking to the church, and the risk of losing instructional time. Specific safety concerns were raised regarding the lack of district staff supervision for students leaving the campus.
LifeWise Academy, the nonprofit behind the proposal, asserted that its staff would supervise students during their walks to the church and highlighted the extensive background checks undergone by its instructors. The organization plans to address the board’s concerns and may consider resubmitting its proposal in the future.
Additionally, House Bill 14 has been introduced, allowing districts to implement wearable panic buttons in schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year, although funding for these measures is not guaranteed. Discussions surrounding panic buttons have indicated a need for comprehensive safety strategies that extend beyond the reliance solely on technology. The bill aims to enhance the integration of panic alert systems with emergency services for improved coordination during crises.
New legislation is also in the works to improve safety measures around school buses. This includes potential video monitoring systems that would enforce laws regarding stopped school buses. Reports from the Bowling Green Police Department indicate that violations of bus stop laws are primarily due to driver inattention. Police and transportation officials are encouraging parents to educate their children about safe practices when using school buses, stressing vigilance when boarding and disembarking.
Additional Information
School safety remains a paramount concern across Kentucky, and recent legislative actions and school initiatives underscore the need for vigilant and community-driven approaches to enhance security in educational settings.
FAQ Section
What is “Safe Schools Week”?
Kentucky school districts are focusing on school safety this week as part of “Safe Schools Week.”
What is the theme for this year’s school safety week?
The theme for this year’s school safety week is “Focus on School Safety,” urging awareness and proactive measures in schools.
What did the Warren County school board decide regarding the Bible education proposal?
The Warren County school board recently blocked a proposal for character-based Bible education sessions at Alvaton Elementary.
What does House Bill 14 propose?
House Bill 14 was introduced, allowing districts to implement wearable panic buttons in schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year, though funding is not guaranteed.
Key Features of Safe Schools Week in Kentucky
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Theme | Focus on School Safety |
| Involvement | Requires participation from students, parents, and the community |
| Reporting Culture | Encourages students to speak up on concerns |
| Legislation | House Bill 14 for panic buttons in schools |
| Bus Safety | New legislation for school bus safety including video monitoring |
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Schools Across Kentucky Participate in School Safety Week
- BG Daily News: WCPS Board Votes No to Early Release Bible Lessons
- Kentucky.com: Education News
- WBKO: Officials Stress Importance of School Bus Safety
- BG Daily News: Proposed Cuts to Medicaid/SNAP Threaten K-12 Meals
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- Google Search: School Safety Initiatives
- Google Scholar: School Safety Legislation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Google News: School Safety Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
