Secure Education Consultants founder and President Jason Russell has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the newly created School Safety and Mental Health Commission.
The School Safety and Mental Health Commission will provide recommendations to reduce youth suicides and strengthen the mental health of school-aged children, adolescents and their families through a comprehensive statewide approach. The commission will seek input from educational professionals, mental health professionals and organizations from across this state to suggest approaches to identify and support students at risk of behavioral health issues. Russell will serve a two-year term on the commission that began Oct. 1.
“I am honored to be appointed by the governor to this critically important commission and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside other professionals who are committed to school safety,” Russell said. “Addressing mental health and providing proactive strategies and resources for communities across our state are paramount to preventing school violence.”
At Secure Education Consultants, Russell leads a team of former federal law enforcement agents, police officials and military specialists in delivering threat assessment and protection to schools and businesses. A former U.S. Secret Service special agent, Russell works directly with school personnel in Michigan and across the country to evaluate safety and security measures, build customized emergency response plans and provide critical incident response training.
“Every kid in Michigan has a birthright to a phenomenal public education, and we need to work together to ensure they can thrive by investing in their overall well-being, including mental and behavioral health,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “Appointees to the School Safety and Mental Health Commission will ensure we use our resources effectively to keep our kids safe and learning in person.”
Earlier this year, Russell testified before and worked with the Michigan Legislature to bring forward critical funding for physical site assessments at K-12 schools throughout the state. The legislation – approved by Gov. Whitmer in June – provides 2,000 grants for each public, private and charter school in Michigan for these assessments.
A former U.S. Secret Service special agent, Russell was involved in protecting the sitting president and vice president as well as former presidents. He also was a lead instructor at the International Law Enforcement Academy and served on Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Prior to that, he served as an officer with the Lansing Police Department.
Russell is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences across the country on such topics as emergency preparedness, active shooter response and safety and security procedures.