State Rep. Mark Tisdel today encouraged Greater Rochester residents with ideas to strengthen school safety and bolster mental health assistance for students to reach out to a new bipartisan legislative task force.

Following the tragic shooting at Oxford High School, the state House of Representatives formed the School Safety Task Force to listen to the people of Michigan and formulate possible policy reforms to help prevent further violence.

“After the Oxford shooting, student safety is on the minds of everyone in the Greater Rochester community,” said Tisdel, of Rochester Hills. “Strengthening safety at our schools is also a top concern for state legislators, and a new bipartisan task force is digging into shortcomings and discussing potential solutions to keep young people safe. Input from Michigan citizens will be a key part of that process, and I encourage Greater Rochester parents, students, teachers, school staff, administrators and others to contact the task force with their ideas.”

Michigan residents can share their suggestions with the task force online at house.mi.gov/SchoolSafetyTaskForce.

Tisdel looks forward to reviewing the group’s research and considering any recommendations that would protect Michigan students.

The legislator also reminded parents, students and other concerned citizens about the OK2SAY program, a critical resource for reporting crime or potential harm pertaining to Michigan K-12 schools, students and staff. The confidential tip line can be accessed by phone at 855-565-2729, by text at 652729, by email at OK2SAY@mi.gov or in the OK2SAY app.

“While we in the Legislature examine additional school safety proposals, don’t forget existing resources to protect Michigan students,” Tisdel said. “OK2SAY empowers everyone to be on the front lines of school safety. If you see something, say something.”