News Summary
Arizona’s State Superintendent Tom Horne plans to request $180 million from the legislature to enhance the School Safety Program amidst rising youth violence. The current funding of $128 million is set to expire, which raises concerns for the safety of students. The proposal aims to increase police presence and mental health resources in schools, addressing critical needs identified following a series of violent incidents, including a fatal stabbing. With a growing demand for safety resources, lawmakers will evaluate Horne’s request to ensure student and staff well-being in educational environments.
Arizona – State Superintendent Tom Horne has announced plans to request $180 million from the state legislature to expand the School Safety Program in response to rising youth violence across Arizona. The current funding of $128 million, which supports the existing safety measures, is set to expire next year, highlighting an urgent need for a renewed commitment to enhancing safety in schools.
This proposed expansion aims to increase the number of police officers and counselors in schools, with Horne confirming that every school that has requested a police officer has successfully received one. This initiative is designed to ensure that schools are not financially burdened with the costs related to hiring law enforcement personnel as these expenses will be covered through the program. The program currently supports over 1,080 police officers and various personnel across more than 1,100 schools in Arizona.
Supporting Horne’s request, Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan emphasized the importance of additional funding to prevent potential catastrophes resulting from insufficient safety resources. He highlighted that the urgency of this funding request has been underscored by recent incidents of violence in schools, including a fatal stabbing at Maryvale High School, which has raised alarms about student safety.
The Arizona Department of Education’s Director of School Safety, Mike Kurtenbach, noted that state and federal funding for the program is projected to run out by 2026. In light of this, Horne’s funding request also includes an additional $52 million aimed at replacing lost federal funds while expanding the program’s capabilities to meet the growing security needs. Furthermore, there is an identified unmet demand for 361 additional counselors and social workers due to current financial constraints.
The evolution of the School Safety Program since its inception in the mid-1990s has included not just law enforcement officers but also mental health professionals such as counselors and social workers. Governor Katie Hobbs recent legislation now allows funds to also cover the costs of retired police officers working on school campuses, further enhancing the program’s robustness.
Regulations require schools to submit their emergency operation plans for review as a prerequisite for qualifying for future funding. A recent report has indicated a necessity for improved compliance with these program requirements to ensure that schools can effectively meet established safety training and operational standards.
Horne’s announcement and request for increased funding come in the wake of a notable increase in documented safety concerns within Arizona schools. The rise in youth violence has fostered a sense of urgency among educational and law enforcement leaders to bolster protective measures in academic settings to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff alike.
The proposal will be submitted to the Arizona legislature and is poised to undergo discussions as lawmakers consider the critical need for safeguarding the state’s schools amidst growing concerns surrounding youth violence. Ensuring that students feel safe in their learning environments remains a top priority for educators, parents, and the community as a whole.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KTAR: Arizona School Safety Program Funding
- AZCentral: Tom Horne’s School Safety Program Request
- Hoodline: Arizona Superintendent Seeks $180 Million for School Safety
- Pinal Central: Arizona Tackles School Safety
- 12 News: State Superintendent Seeks $180M for School Safety Program
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- Google Search: Arizona School Safety
- Google Scholar: School Safety Program Arizona
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Google News: School Safety Arizona
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
