School violence avoidable, consultant tells panel

Cheri Lovre helped deal with shooting incidents involving students in both Littleton, Colo., and other recent disasters and is a nationally recognized consultant on the subject of planning for violence in schools.

She told panel members Tuesday they have a dual role: To create a plan of action to handle violent incidents in case one happens in Nevada and to move toward solutions that identify problem children and help them before an outburst.

Lovre said that means drafting an emergency response plan and also setting a long-term goal to make school a safe, nurturing environment where that plan won't be needed.

The panel chairwoman, state Sen. Valerie Wiener, D-Las Vegas, said the commission's task is to develop a plan by January. It was created by legislation introduced following shootings at Columbine High in Littleton, Colo.

Lovre said the state must have a plan that involves police, fire crews, paramedics, school officials, hospitals, clergy, service volunteers and the news media.

And she said such plans should be constantly updated to take better advantage of services in each community.

Lovre also said schools should set up procedures for students to attend funerals of fellow students and have a "safe room" for them to share their feelings. Otherwise, too many students after a funeral would head out on the highways and drink, she added.

"The safe room brings a golden opportunity to reach kids," Lovre said. "It becomes part of the school curriculum, like a pep assembly."

Gov. Kenny Guinn will decide whether to accept the statewide violence response developed by the commission. If he does, county school districts must ensure their local violence-response plans are consistent with the statewide plan.

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