Barnesville Schools Emergency Preparedness Review
A Tabletop Exercise hosted by Barnesville Schools in partnership with the Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC) to enhance emergency preparedness and improve the district’s safety plan on January 3 at Barnesville High School.
The exercise included representatives from various local agencies and stakeholders, including:
• Ohio School Safety Center Facilitators: Adam Chellis, J.D. Grecol
• Belmont County Emergency Management Agency (EMA): Dave Ivan, Glenn Trudo
• Barnesville Police Department: Chief Rocky Sirianni
• Ohio Highway Patrol: McFarland
• Barnesville Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services: Tim Hall
• Barnesville Hospital: Kim Young
• Barnesville Schools Safety Committee Representative: Leslie Shultz, Board Member
The purpose of the exercise was to simulate emergency scenarios to identify strengths and areas for improvement in the district’s safety plan. It encouraged open dialogue, brainstorming, and collaborative problem-solving among participants.
Key outcomes of the exercise included:
• A refined district safety plan based on suggestions and insights from participants.
• Plans to implement a Run, Hide, Fight training in the fall of 2025 to equip staff with practical emergency response strategies.
• Strengthened partnerships with local first responders and community leaders.
Superintendent Micah Fuchs emphasized the value of the collaboration, stating:
“We are grateful for the expertise and dedication of all the agencies and individuals who participated. This exercise demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and our collective commitment to ensuring the safety of our students and staff,” stated Barnesville Schools Superintendent Micah Fuchs.
In addition to the fall 2025 training, Barnesville Schools will continue collaborating with local agencies to refine and enhance safety measures.
