Forum will address safe schools, streets

October 21, 1999

Safe schools and communities will be the topic of a League of Women Voters' Washington County Unit forum on Monday, Oct. 25.

Panelists from various civic groups and government agencies will discuss the recent spate of school violence nationwide. Shootings occurred in towns where residents didn't believe it would happen, such as Conyers, Ga., West Paducah, Ky., and Littleton, Colo., according to the league.

The panelists will address such questions as why it happened, what went wrong and whether it could have been avoided. They will also discuss whether it could happen in the local community, what the warning signs are and what can be done to make children safer.

"Talking about fears is the first step toward dissipating them," said league spokeswoman Spring Ward. "There will be positive information shared."

The event is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. at Western Heights Middle School, 1300 Marshall St., Hagerstown. Panelists will briefly share their thoughts and available resources and then answer questions.

The audience will have an opportunity to contribute specific suggestions for improving school security. Plans for follow-up activities will be discussed afterward.

The league, along with the Greater Hagerstown Committee, the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service and the Washington County Board of Education, are sponsoring the event.

For more information, call coordinator Cookie McDowell at 301-797-7469.

Panelists include:

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