Kentucky lawmakers discuss funding for school safety amid recent threats

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT)—School safety and the increased costs of funding it were discussed at the State Capitol on Wednesday.

Kentucky’s Center for School Safety director told lawmakers in an interim budget education committee how spending increased from $2 million in 1999 to more than $15 million.

It’s expected to increase even more next year.

The testimony follows recent headlines, including threats in Montgomery County.

“I think something has to be done to make it very unpleasant for anyone who wants to spread false rumors,” Rep. Steve Riley, R-Glasgow, said in the committee meeting Wednesday morning.

Some Montgomery County parents kept their children home, schools were closed, and for a time, backpacks were banned. School leaders say a student even brought a loaded gun to school.

“I couldn’t talk about motive or intent, but I can tell you that it happened. Because it happened, it is important to shift from the other priorities we have as a school district,” said Chief Chris Barrier, who heads up law enforcement for the Montgomery County School District.

In the weeks since then, Barrier says they’ve had time to address their safety initiatives.

“So I think it is important to understand school safety is not a destination. You don’t ever get to a point where you have reached the end goal. School safety is fluid,” Barrier said.

“This is just a snapshot of your Senate Bill 91, which allocated $15 million for school safety,” said Center for School Safety Director Jon Akers.

Funding for school safety has increased substantially since the Heath High School shooting in 1999. Now, money for mental health is in the mix.

Barrier says relationship building is also key.

“It is the cornerstone for what we do and what we train our SROs in our schools to do,” said Barrier.

Akers also says their tip line receives 100 calls daily, and 40 percent deal with mental health issues.

Lawmakers say next year’s allocation will increase school safety funding by $18 million.

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