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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Ingham ISD’s regional approach brings together 12 local districts, community partners, and professional learning opportunities to ensure students have access to consistent support and diverse postsecondary pathways. From special education coordination across the service area to Military Professional Development for educators, collaboration remains at the center of student success.
Through a partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ingham ISD welcomed local business leader Rocco Rucinski to Waverly High School as part of the “Principal for a Day” initiative. The experience strengthened connections between schools and the business community while highlighting opportunities for collaboration that support students and the future workforce.
