Maryland § 7-453

§ 7-453.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Network” means a Student Support Specialist Network.

        (3)    “Plan” means a Student Support Success Action Plan.

        (4)    “Template” means the template developed by the Prince George’s County Board of Education used by a Student Support Specialist Network.

    (b)    This section applies only in Prince George’s County.

    (c)    There is a Student Support Specialist Network in each public high school in the county.

    (d)    Each Network shall include the following members, if applicable:

        (1)    The vice principal of the school;

        (2)    Professional school–based counselors;

        (3)    School–based psychologists;

        (4)    School–based nurses;

        (5)    Licensed clinical social workers;

        (6)    Crisis Intervention Resource Teachers;

        (7)    Career coaches;

        (8)    Community school coordinators;

        (9)    School resource officers; and

        (10)    School security employees.

    (e)    (1)    On or before December 31, 2024, the Prince George’s County Board of Education shall develop, approve, and disseminate a template for a Student Support Success Action Plan to be used by each Network.

        (2)    The template for a plan developed under this subsection shall include metrics to measure and concrete steps to achieve improvements in:

            (i)    The number of students who have access to behavioral and mental health supports;

            (ii)    The ratio of licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, Crisis Intervention Resource Teachers, and clinical therapists to students;

            (iii)    Referrals of students to mental health services, nurses, career counseling, and food pantries;

            (iv)    Community school assessment results;

            (v)    The use of restorative approaches in addressing student misconduct;

            (vi)    The use of trauma–informed approaches to a student in distress;

            (vii)    The number of school–based arrests;

            (viii)    The number of student disciplinary referrals issued;

            (ix)    The number of suspensions;

            (x)    Referrals to the Department of Juvenile Services; and

            (xi)    The number of expulsions for nonviolent behavior.

        (3)    In addition to the metrics required under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the template for a plan developed under this subsection shall also address:

            (i)    Strengthening school culture, climate, and community;

            (ii)    Fostering cooperation and coordination between Networks;

            (iii)    Ensuring students in crisis are supported;

            (iv)    Reducing out–of–school suspensions and expulsions;

            (v)    Increasing access to and knowledge of behavioral health supports;

            (vi)    Reducing in–school violence, gang–related activity, and substance abuse;

            (vii)    Cultivating positive relationships of understanding between school personnel, school resource officers, security personnel, and students; and

            (viii)    Strengthening the network of services for students and staff who are in crisis.

    (f)    Subject to subsection (g) of this section, each Network shall collectively develop, complete, and implement a plan utilizing the approved county board template.

    (g)    (1)    Before implementing a plan in accordance with subsection (f) of this section, each Network shall submit the plan to the county board for approval.

        (2)    The deadline for submission shall be determined by the county board.

    (h)    On or before July 1, 2025, and on or before each July 1 thereafter, each Network shall report the results of the implementation of the Network’s plan to the county board.