In an effort to build safer school communities, Michigan is launching Behavioral Threat Assessment Management (BTAM) Teams across the state. These specialized teams bring together educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement partners to recognize warning signs, provide early intervention, and reduce the risk of violence before it happens.
Locally, Ingham ISD’s Director of Mental Health & Wellness, Noelle Duvall, recently sat down with Fox 47 News to share the importance of this initiative. “The goal is prevention,” Duvall explained. “By collaborating across disciplines, we can better support students in crisis and address challenges before they escalate.”
The BTAM approach focuses on care and connection as much as safety. Teams look beyond discipline, offering support and resources to students who may be struggling socially, emotionally, or behaviorally. This proactive model is part of Michigan’s broader commitment to creating environments where all students can feel secure, connected, and ready to learn.
For families and community members, this initiative underscores a shared responsibility: noticing when something feels “off” and making sure concerns are communicated to trusted adults. With schools, ISDs, and partners working together, these safety teams represent a new layer of protection for Michigan’s students.
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Zander Bowles, a former student in Ingham ISD’s SAIL program, has become a passionate and persistent advocate for accessibility in local government—attending city council meetings, advising on public facility updates, and volunteering across the community.
Haslett Public Schools’ Wilkshire Early Childhood Center is setting an example for what’s possible when a school team dedicates itself to building strong systems for students and families. Their staff has invested countless hours into this work, reviewing data, collaborating on goals, and engaging in professional development alongside Ingham ISD’s PBIS and School Improvement coaches. This partnership ensures Wilkshire’s efforts are intentional, sustainable, and always centered on student success. The result is a program worth celebrating and one we hope inspires other schools across the region.
