DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — A proposed Ohio law could require schools to have wearable panic buttons for staff to use in an emergency.
Some Miami Valley Schools already have panic alert systems in place, but Senate Bill 313 would make these measures mandatory statewide.
The Greater Dayton School is leading the way as a model for security on school campuses in Ohio, something that all schools could be required to do in the future.
“There’s nothing more important in this country than our children. And so we’ve got to take security more seriously,” said AJ Stich, principal of Greater Dayton School.
Local leaders are pushing for increased security in Ohio schools, which they say parents want.
SB313, also known as Alyssa’s Law, was introduced in the Ohio Senate and now awaits an In-Senate Committee. The goal of the bill is to require public and chartered nonpublic schools to implement a wearable panic alert system starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
The Greater Dayton School has stationary panic alert systems set up in the school and can initiate lockdown protocols. At the push of a button, the system can alert police and first responders and begin video recording.