Setting a new standard for suicide prevention and crisis response in public schools
Erie’s Public Schools is launching one of the most comprehensive suicide prevention and crisis response reviews undertaken by a public school district in Pennsylvania.
At its March 11 meeting, the Board of School Directors will consider amending its service agreement with UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor to provide independent clinical analysis and expertise in support of the committee’s work. In conjunction with the committee’s review, they would assist in evaluating district suicide prevention and crisis response systems — examining not only policies, but also day-to-day practices, communication systems, staff training, partnerships, and real-world response across all schools.
This effort follows the creation of the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Systems Review Committee, launched by Board President Dr. Jay Breneman and Superintendent Dr. Natalyn Gibbs.
The committee includes representatives from the School Board, district communications, human resources, mental health staff, teachers, and members of the district’s new Student Leadership Program. Students will help shape recommendations — an approach that has drawn statewide attention from school leadership organizations.
The committee will also engage local leaders, suicide loss survivors, and national experts to ensure the review reflects both lived experience and best practices.
Mission: To review and strengthen what happens before, during, and after a crisis at Erie’s Public Schools.
Vision: A school community where every student and staff member feels seen, supported, and protected by systems that respond with clarity, compassion, and care.
What Makes This Different
This work goes beyond compliance. Erie’s Public Schools is conducting a full-system review that spans prevention, identification, response, recovery, communication, and cross-department coordination.
Erie’s Public Schools serves more than 10,000 students and employs nearly 2,000 staff members. District leadership has made clear that student and staff wellbeing must be treated with the same level of rigor and accountability as academics and operations. Through this review, Erie seeks to develop a durable framework that strengthens early support, improves coordination, reduces stigma, and ensures consistent, compassionate action acrossthe district.
More information about the committee’s progress will be shared publicly in the coming months.
