Dobies, Williams Praise First-of-Its-Kind Gun Safety Resolution to Strengthen Awareness and Parental Engagement

Jackson, MI — Jackson Public Schools Treasurer Derek Dobies and Trustee Tabitha Williams today praised the passage of a new gun safety resolution approved at the March 17 Jackson Public Schools Board of Education meeting. The resolution passed by a 4-3 vote and is designed to increase awareness of safe firearm storage practices while reinforcing shared responsibility between schools and families to protect students and educators. Dobies noted the policy is believed to be first-of-its-kind in Michigan in requiring active parental acknowledgment of firearm safety information.

The resolution builds on existing state law by requiring that state-provided gun safety materials be more actively distributed by the district and acknowledged by families. While Michigan law already requires these materials to be posted online and shared electronically, the Board’s action goes further - ensuring materials are sent home with students and reviewed and acknowledged by a parent or guardian through a signed form.

“This is about shared responsibility and prevention,” said Board Treasurer Derek Dobies. “We already ask parents to acknowledge important information when it comes to their child’s health and safety. Talking about gun safety is no different. Taking an extra step to make sure families receive and understand safe firearm storage information is a common-sense action that can help save lives.”

According to data outlined in the resolution, the leading cause of death for children and adolescents aged 1-19 is guns and firearm-related injuries. Unsecured firearms remain a leading factor in accidental shootings and youth suicides, with a significant share of incidents involving weapons that were accessed from a home or a family member. Research consistently shows that safe storage practices - keeping firearms locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition - dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death. The resolution highlights that increasing awareness and reinforcing responsible storage behaviors among adults is one of the most effective prevention strategies available. 

At the meeting, district administration indicated that these materials will be distributed quarterly, ensuring families receive consistent, ongoing reminders about safe storage practices. The requirement for parental acknowledgment aligns with existing district practices used for other student safety topics, such as concussion awareness and health-related notifications.

“Our responsibility is to do everything we can to keep students safe,” said Board Trustee Tabitha Williams. “Providing clear, accessible information to families—especially in multiple languages - is part of that responsibility. This resolution ensures we are meeting families where they are and reinforcing the importance of safe practices at home.”

The resolution also requires materials to be posted on the district’s website in English, Spanish, and Arabic, consistent with state-provided resources and supported by the district’s existing translation technology, which allows broad accessibility for families.

Board members voting in opposition raised concerns about requiring parents to acknowledge receipt of the materials and about the multilingual posting requirements. Supporters emphasized that acknowledgment forms are already standard practice across the district and that multilingual access reflects both state guidance and the district’s existing communication tools.

Dobies added that the resolution is not about imposing new mandates, but about strengthening communication, awareness, and accountability.

“State law sets the floor,” Dobies said. “This resolution is about raising the standard. If we can take a simple, proven step to increase awareness and prevent even one tragedy, then it’s worth doing.”