Amid growing concerns for school safety, Arizona's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, has proposed a sizeable increase to the state's School Safety Program budget. Horne is seeking a legislative boost of $180 million to not only sustain but also more effectively expand the protection of children, educators, and staff on school campuses.
With current funding sources amounting to a little over $128 million and additional federal support of $20 million due to sunset in 2026, Horne's budget request aims to prevent any potential funding gaps. This additional $32 million is expected to help hire and strategically train more officers across schools statewide. On the program’s impact, Horne stated, "The value of having armed officers on campuses is beyond dispute," referencing a recent incident in Tucson where an officer thwarted an armed intruder's plans to attack a school, as detailed in a statement made by AZEd.
The safety program's goal is to provide a secure presence on every campus, a sentiment echoed by Maricopa County Schools Superintendent Shelli Boggs. "This is about ensuring that every student, in every school, in every neighborhood, has the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are safe," Boggs expressed, as stated by AZed. Her comment underscores the program's mission to offer universal safety across all academic environments.
Support from law enforcement is also strong, with Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan standing with Superintendent Horne's proposal. "There is no greater responsibility for society than to do everything possible to keep children safe, especially in a place of learning and growing," Sheridan said, as per AZed. The sheriff's department already has deputies participating in the program, and the proposed funds would enable them to further grow their involvement and services offered in schools.
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