Utah schools are receiving $72 million in state funding to upgrade their buildings and security systems amid a rise in the number of school shootings across the country in recent years. According to a CNN analysis, there were a record 82 incidents in 2023, up from 79 and 73 in the two previous years.
According to a Pew Research study, about 1 in 4 U.S. teachers said their school went into a gun-related lockdown during the 2022-2023 school year. A majority of teachers, 59%, said they are somewhat worried about the possibility of a shooting happening at their school.
In Utah, lawmakers approved the $72 million funding in 2023; now it’s being revealed how the schools are going to be using the money.
Schools have requested bulletproof window film, bleeding kits, fencing, security cameras and emergency alert systems.
The Utah State Board of Education’s Safe and Healthy Schools Team said more than 150 school districts and charters went through a “competitive application process,” with all seeking part of the funding.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, traditional schools received 70% of the $72 million and charter schools got the remaining 30%.
One public school district, Davis School District, received grants for 69 of its 92 schools in the form of $4.6 million.
A district spokesperson said they requested bulletproof window film and intercom system upgrades, which can be implemented quickly.
The Pew survey found about 4 in 10 teachers said their school has done a fair or poor job providing them with the training and resources they need to deal with a potential active shooter. These Utah school districts are hoping the funding and their school upgrades will give them added protection in case of an emergency.
