Arizona education officials have approved $48 million in school safety funding to enhance campus security and student support through the hiring of armed officers and counselors. The funding, carried over from unused allocations from the previous year, will be distributed to schools across the state following a decision by the Arizona Department of Education.
Superintendent Tom Horne emphasized the importance of having armed officers on campuses to protect students, educators, and staff, particularly in response to potential violent threats. “The sad reality is that we must ensure that if an armed maniac attacks a campus, there is a trained law enforcement officer on site to respond,” Horne stated in a press release.
The bulk of the funding—approximately $39.5 million—will be used to employ nearly 200 school resource and school safety officers. These officers provide full-time security, either individually assigned to campuses or through shared coverage. The remaining funds will support the addition of over 60 counselors or social workers, addressing the growing need for mental health and emotional support in schools.
Under state law, schools requesting funding for armed officers must also allocate resources for counselors and social workers, ensuring a balanced approach to campus safety and student well-being.
All schools in Arizona are eligible to apply for this vital funding. Superintendent Horne urged schools to act promptly, stating, “We cannot afford to allow this vital funding to go unused, which means schools should contact the department immediately to participate in this program.”
This initiative underscores Arizona’s commitment to addressing safety concerns and fostering a secure and supportive learning environment for students statewide.