New Efforts to Keep Our Students Safe

Dear Neighbor,

With the topic of school safety at the forefront of many conversations in our communities, I wanted to update you on a recent piece of legislation that may be of interest to you and others who are a part of the continuing efforts to ensure our children are safe at school. 

The Senate recently passed House Bill 318 which includes $12 million for school safety training grants to be used by the Ohio Attorney General, in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services, for grants to schools. The grants may be used for, but not limited to, all of the following safety needs:
 

  • The support of school resource officer certification training;
  • Any type of active shooter and school safety training;
  • All grade level type educational resources;
  • Training to identify and assist students with mental health issues;
  • Any other training related to school safety.


In addition, House Bill 318 establishes specialized training requirements for new school resource officers. The Ohio Department of Public Safety is charged with completing a study on existing school security measures in Ohio and making recommendations for improvements by February 1, 2019. This bill is currently awaiting the signature of the Governor.

This particular bill is just one in a series of steps the legislature has taken the last several years to work with our school leaders and local law enforcement to improve safety and security. I’ve also included a fact sheet detailing other statewide initiatives and funding provided to support this work. I hope this is helpful to you and to others you talk with in the community about this issue.

Thank you for your dedication to our students - not only to educate, inspire and create pathways of opportunity for them, but also to provide a stable, safe learning environment where they can succeed. I trust you’ve had an enjoyable summer, and I wish you the best as you begin another school year. 

Your feedback is important to me. If you have additional concerns or ideas regarding school safety or any other education matter, please feel free to contact my office at any time by calling 614-466-8156 or by emailing me at Peterson@OhioSenate.gov. 

Sincerely,

Bob Peterson
State Senator
Ohio's 17th Senate District

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