Dobies Introduces Resolution Supporting Gun Safety and Safe Storage Awareness
Jackson, MI — Jackson Public Schools Board of Education Treasurer Derek Dobies, alongside Trustee Tabitha Williams, will introduce a resolution reaffirming the District’s commitment to student safety and responsible firearm storage practices at the February 17 Board of Education meeting.
The proposal follows the enactment of Michigan Public Acts 257 and 258 of 2024, which require school districts to annually distribute state-developed informational notices to parents and guardians regarding safe firearm storage practices and legal responsibilities under Michigan law.
Under the leadership of Superintendent Jeremy Patterson, Jackson Public Schools is already in compliance with the new statutory requirements. The proposed resolution not only formalizes that compliance, but strengthens it by directing that the informational notice be sent home in hard copy with students and returned with a signed acknowledgment from a parent or guardian confirming receipt and review.
Treasurer Dobies noted that he has worked alongside community partners, including BeSMART for Kids and Moms Demand Action, on local safe storage awareness efforts while also advocating for these improvements in state law.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff must always come first,” said Treasurer Dobies. “We live in a crowded media environment where important information can easily get overlooked. These new state laws provide clear guidance on safe firearm storage, but simply posting a notice online isn’t enough. This resolution ensures we place that information directly in the hands of parents and ask for acknowledgment — because protecting children is a shared responsibility. Families are our first partners in safety, and when parents take simple, responsible steps at home, it helps protect not just their own child, but every child in our schools. If even one tragedy is prevented because a family paused to review safe storage practices, that effort is worthwhile.”
Beginning October 1, 2025, districts are required to distribute the informational notice annually and post links to the materials on their websites. The notice, developed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, includes an overview of legal requirements, best practices for safe firearm storage, and information about obtaining free or low-cost gun locks and safes.
Trustee Tabitha Williams emphasized the importance of shared responsibility.
“This is about prevention and partnership,” said Williams. “Research consistently shows that many school-based firearm incidents involve weapons accessed from the home. Providing families with clear information and requesting acknowledgment reinforces that keeping children safe is something we all have a role in. This resolution promotes awareness, accountability, and proactive engagement.”
Tyshon Gray, Vice President of the Student Government at Jackson High School, also spoke in support of the resolution from a student perspective.
“As students, we want to feel safe coming to school every day,” said Gray. “We can’t control everything that happens in the world, but we can start conversations at home. When schools send this information home and ask for acknowledgment, it gives students an opportunity to talk with their parents about safety. That kind of communication matters. Student safety isn’t just a school issue - it’s something families and students have to work on together.”
In addition to strengthening safe storage awareness, the resolution encourages collaboration with local law enforcement, public health officials, medical and mental health professionals, and nonprofit organizations to expand voluntary safe storage campaigns and access to safety devices.
Dobies also indicated interest in pursuing state Community Violence Intervention (CVI) grant funding to further expand school-based and community-level violence prevention efforts. The recently adopted School Aid budget includes $10 million in competitive funding for districts to develop evidence-based youth violence prevention strategies centered on mentorship, engagement, and wrap-around services. A potential partnership between Jackson Public Schools and the City of Jackson could build on existing local violence intervention efforts and deepen coordination to support students and families.
The resolution will be introduced as a discussion item on February 17 and, following Board process, is expected to return as an action item for consideration at the March meeting.
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