Lakota Local Schools Superintendent Matthew Miller has been named to Governor Mike DeWine’s new School Safety Working Group. Governor DeWine called for the creation of the working group in August when announcing the development of the Ohio School Safety Center, a new statewide office focused on assisting educators and law enforcement in preventing, preparing for, and responding to threats and acts of violence, including self-harm. The working group, which will be led by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, will evaluate current issues regarding school safety and advise the Ohio School Safety Center on its work.

Lakota East and West’s Hope Squads used last week’s National Suicide Prevention Week to spread positivity and help break the stigma about mental illness issues.

As another indication of the importance of safety, Lakota Local Schools has implemented new security measures throughout the district. “The safety of our students and staff is always our number one priority,” said Superintendent Matthew Miller. “Our plans are never complete. We are always working with our law enforcement partners to evaluate all of our safety measures in order to improve.” During the summer, 1,200 Bearacade® Door Control Systems were installed in classrooms throughout the district.

Eleven Butler County school districts, including Lakota Local Schools, participated in a full-scale safety exercise on June 18 at the Ross Local High School and Middle School campus. This is the first time in Butler County history that a safety exercise of this scope has been planned.

All that Ridge Junior health teacher Matthew Abshear takes credit for in the school’s first-ever mental health expo is sharing the idea and then turning his students loose.

The lack of awareness and stigma attached to mental health issues keep the majority of young people from getting help. That’s why Lakota is partnering with MindPeace, a local non-profit that connects its network of professional mental health providers with schools to increase student access to quality, affordable mental healthcare.

Please enjoy this back-to-school edition of "A Look Around Lakota." In this first edition of the new school year, Superintendent Matthew Miller shares just some of the highlights and happenings of Lakota's first two weeks back.

Lakota Schools has announced several new safety and security initiatives since the spring. Most recently, the district has committed to hiring eight additional school resource officers (SRO) for the upcoming school year, bringing the total number to 18. This will allow full-time law enforcement coverage at every Lakota school campus.

A new partnership between Lakota Local Schools and MindPeace will increase student access to high quality and affordable mental healthcare.

Deputy Doug Hale was named Deputy of the Year by Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones on July 18. Hale was recognized for his years of service and outstanding performance.

In another demonstration of its commitment to the safety and security of its students and staff, Lakota Local Schools has committed to hiring eight additional school resource officers (SRO) for the upcoming school year, bringing the total number to 18. This will allow full-time law enforcement coverage at every Lakota school campus.