Report: Newton Schools Missed Deadline for Medical Emergency Response Plan
Newton was one of 18 districts (125 schools total) that did not get the emergency plans in to the state on time.
Updated 11:30 p.m.
The Newton Public Schools failed to meet the Sept. 1, 2012 deadline to turn in medical emergency response plans for its 21 schools, according to a recent I-Team report on CBS Boston.
Newton was one of 18 Massachusetts school districts that did not get the emergency plans in to the state on time, according to the report.
Schools are required by law (known as Michael's Law) to submit to the state a plan outlining ways they respond to medical emergencies, including details on a rapid communication system, a list emergency contacts, methods for CPR and first aid training as well as the location of defibrillators.
The law was passed in May 2012 following the death of 16-year-old Michael Ellsessar, who suffered cardiac arrest while playing a Sutton High School football game in 2010.
Following the I-Team's investigation, Newton submitted the emergency response plans on Feb. 13, the CBS Boston report said.
For more details, check out the full story on CBS Boston.
Patrick Maher
6:39 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
The city of Newton actually represents 21, not one, of the 125 schools that were non-compliant on the required date: 15 elementary, 4 middle and 2 high schools. We could have been too busy thinking about locking doors and preparing for our override.
Melanie Graham
11:47 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Hi Patrick --
Thanks for your comment. We specified in the first paragraph that the report included all 21 schools in Newton. However, I realize the second paragraph was a bit confusing the way it was worded (Newton was one of 18 districts across the state, and part of a group of 125 schools). We've adjusted the wording to make it a bit clearer. Thanks!
Patrick Maher
11:25 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Hello Melanie,
Thank you for correcting your report. 21 of 125 is a much more significant issue than 1 of 125. Most of the cities/towns were in compliance with the state's requirement.
I appreciate your hard work and dedication to make this website available to us. It is a valuable asset for keeping Newton's residents informed.