Superintendent Tom Horne pushes for expanded school safety measures | News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne delivered his State of Education address today, emphasizing the need for bolstered school safety measures across Arizona.

His call comes just days after a Tucson police officer stopped an armed suspect who breached the Legacy Traditional School campus.

Horne is urging lawmakers to expand the state’s School Safety Program, advocating for more armed law enforcement officers on school campuses.

Republican lawmakers have introduced two key bills addressing school safety:

– House Bill 2074: Expands the use of school safety grants, allowing funds to cover retired law enforcement officers and off-duty police working as school safety officers.

– House Bill 2022: Permits trained and certified teachers or staff to carry firearms on school grounds.

Supporters, like Representative Matt Gress (R), believe these measures could provide much-needed security for Arizona schools.

“We tried to move this bill last year, but it stalled in the Senate,” Gress said. “This year, I’m optimistic we can get it done.”

Meanwhile, critics like Representative Nancy Gutierrez (D) argue for broader solutions beyond adding School Resource Officers (SROs).

“Just adding SROs isn’t a cure-all,” Gutierrez said. “We need to consider other options, like training security personnel.”

Parents are also weighing in on the debate. Michelle McDonald, a Tucson parent, expressed hope for meaningful change.

“If Arizona can find a solution, we might set an example for the entire nation,” she said. “Protecting our kids should be a top priority.”

The issue is resonating deeply with both lawmakers and families.

“Every family expects their child to come home safely from school, and the fact is there are more threats out there than ever before,” Gress said.

“School safety is of the utmost importance,” Gutierrez said. “As a public school teacher, I know it’s on my mind every day.”