The Clinton County School Safety Commission met on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 9:00
a.m. at the Frankfort Police Department Training Room. Dr. James Hanna called the
meeting to order, welcomed those in attendance, and confirmed quorum. Attendance was
recorded as documented with the following individuals in present: Aubree Akard, Becky
Boddicker, Lily Boles, Debbie Bracken, Brendon Bright, Kirsten Clark, Jeff Cline, Renee
Crick, Ed Cripe, Steven Deckard, Eric Farley, Tom Farlow, Katie Ferguson, Jenn Flynn, David
Fouse, Grace Foxworthy, Karina Garcia-Martinez, Ajay Ghosh, Aaron Gilman, Chris
Guajardo, Hillary Guffy, Martin Hale, Josh Halstead, Mike Hammons, Jim Hanna, Megan
Holliday, Jason Lake, Paul Luebcke, Josh Marshall, Shawn Mayfield, Ember Morris, Dolores
Paul, Matt Rhoda, Ramillio Sanchez, Anahi Santos, Dustin Shadbolt, Christian Swiniuch,
Heather Uitts, Christopher Vawter, Zachary Wagner, Rodney Wann, Bert Weaver, and Levi
Yowell.
The minutes from the August 22, 2025, meeting were presented for consideration. On a
motion from Levi Yowell and seconded by Rodney Wann, the minutes were approved
unanimously. Under new business, Steven Deckard, Director of Clinton County EMS,
provided an overview of recent countywide mass-casualty incident training, with a focus on
active shooter response in school settings. He discussed the evolution of EMS response
protocols and emphasized the importance of conducting realistic and challenging training
scenarios to identify weaknesses and improve coordination. Mr. Deckard noted the
national rise in school shootings from 2000 to 2025, while also emphasizing that incidents
involving five or more victims remain statistically rare and that most active shooter events
conclude within approximately four minutes.
Discussion included the impact of delayed EMS access due to security protocols, which in
training scenarios reduced timely care for numerous victims. Law enforcement must first
secure protected rescue corridors before EMS personnel enter hot zones. Medical priorities
during active shooter incidents were reviewed, emphasizing immediate hemorrhage
control followed by airway, breathing, and circulation. Preventable causes of death, such
as severe bleeding, pneumothorax, and airway obstruction, were highlighted. Proper
tourniquet application was discussed in detail, emphasizing applying the device high and
tight above the wound, using additional tourniquets if bleeding persists, and ensuring
sufficient pressure to stop blood flow. Participants were reminded that tourniquets may be
safely used on individuals of any age when necessary, and that high-quality equipment
from reputable suppliers is preferred.
Mr. Deckard discussed district safety initiatives and emphasized the need to develop a
unified, deployable countywide command structure for all school systems by 2026. This
unified plan will strengthen coordination among dispatch, law enforcement, fire
departments, and EMS agencies. The district plans to continue biannual active shooter
drills and will invite all first responders to participate in coordinated training and debrief
sessions. Facility improvements were discussed, including the need for clear interior exit
door labeling, consistent classroom numbering, updated blueprints for integration into the
shared Spelman system, and the availability of hard-copy maps to assist responders.
Improvements in communication systems were reviewed, including the use of cellular
radios that provide real-time location tracking during drills and enhanced bus coordination
to support rapid evacuation if needed. The importance of text-to-911 awareness and timely
dispatch communication with parents was also emphasized. The committee discussed
coordinated supply management, restocking procedures, and the establishment of
multiple rescue task forces to ensure adequate medical equipment during emergencies.
The commission also reviewed updates regarding threat assessment procedures. Dr.
Hanna described a team-based approach utilizing Navigate 360 and Gaggle to detect and
respond to student threats. Staff training includes scenario-based preparation for new
hires, and bus camera systems are being updated. Participants emphasized monitoring
students for violent expressions and concerning behaviors rather than relying solely on
traditional risk profiles.
An upcoming National Weather Service Weather Spotter class was announced for March
24 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Continued coordination among emergency services and school
corporations was reaffirmed.
During the election of chairperson, Dr. James Hanna was nominated and elected to serve
as Chairperson of the Clinton County School Safety Commission. The motion was made by
Levi Yowell, and seconded by Deb Bracken, which carried unanimously.
The chair thanked all county staff, emergency responders, and school representatives for
their collaboration and commitment to student and community safety. With no further
business to come before the commission, the meeting was adjourned on a motion from
Levi Yowell and seconded by Rodney Wann. The motion carried.