CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – West Virginia lawmakers are taking a united stand for school safety this week as both chambers, with no opposition, voted to spend $1 million to enhance security.
Lawmakers were told it involves securing buildings. Officials say that includes potentially more mantraps and new technology to make sure the wrong person does not get inside.
West Virginia State Superintendent Michele Blatt was thankful Wednesday, telling WSAZ it should give families new confidence.
“I think it gives them the security to know that we’re going to invest in our schools to keep our students safe,” she said.
The extra million dollars was a proposal from Gov. Jim Justice. He met Wednesday with the state Board of Education, one day after the legislation passed.
“We’ve got to do more, and more, and more everyday to try and make our schools safer,” he told WSAZ.
“How far will that go,” asked WSAZ’s Curtis Johnson.
“It won’t go far enough,” he replied. “That’s all there is to it. You know, we’re going to have to really do all we can to pledge more, and more, and more dollars as we go forward. It won’t go far enough.”
“Is there anything else you can do with regards to safe schools, with regards to monies that you have available from the Governor’s Office that you can appropriate without the Legislature,” Johnson asked.
“Well, possibly,” Justice answered. “You know, we’ll sure look at that before I get gone.”
Blatt told WSAZ that board members will get an updated report about school safety next month. She says it will examine the use of mantraps and in-school police officers, among other items.
The superintendent also says the extra million dollars for security is different than $4 million in Safe Schools funding already budgeted for alternative education.
The governor and first lady appeared at Wednesday’s meeting to thank board members for their support of the first lady’s Community in Schools program. It provides resources to at-risk students, helping them stay in school and succeed.
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