COLUMBUS – The shooting of a first-grade teacher in Virginia by a 6-year-old boy has plunged the nation into uncharted waters of school safety and experts say there are no easy solutions.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced that $11.77 million in safety grants is available to Ohio schools through his office for the 2023-24 school year.
A limited number of ‘Innovation Grants’ of up to $20,000 will be awarded for technology that links schools with law enforcement agencies for improved safety, crime prevention and response.
The money is expected to be used for crisis-response technology such as systems allowing immediate camera access to responding law enforcement, silent panic alarms, shot detection technology and “wanted dangerous person” alert systems.
Some question the effectiveness of metal detectors and other safety measures and say creating an environment in which students feel free to share concerns can help prevent shootings.
Others are calling for more gun safety education to prevent accidents as well as kids from gaining access to firearms. A 14-year-old East High School student is facing charges after police say he brought an unloaded gun to school Wednesday morning.
After the student was observed on surveillance cameras concealing a firearm, security staff and school personnel detained the boy in the school office and confiscated the Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, according to detectives with the Columbus police Gun Crimes Unit.
Officers responding to the school in the 1500 block of E. Broad Street at approximately 11:36 a.m. recovered the weapon from school staff.
The student admitted to bringing the gun to school and concealing it and was charged with illegal possession and conveying firearms into a school safety zone.