to boost school safety

Two pieces of legislation designed to help improve school safety have been approved by the their House committees and could be heard on the House floor in the coming weeks.

Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, presented Senate Bill 100 to the House Common Education Committee and Senate Bill 101 to the House Appropriations and Budget Committee this week. Both bills were approved unanimously.

Senate Bill 100 requires every school district to undergo a risk and vulnerability assessment from the Oklahoma School Security Institute or a nationally qualified risk assessor by July 1, 2026, and every five years after. The assessment must include recommendations for improving school security.

Under SB100, a district, university or CareerTech must undergo a risk assessment in order to be eligible for an Oklahoma School Security Grant.

If a school receives a School Security grant, it must spend grant money on items recommended by the risk assessor or provide de-escalation and be- havioral threat assessment training to employees.

SB101 requires the State Dept. of Education (SDE) to establish the School Resource Officer Grant Program, which will provide rural and underserved schools with startup grants for school resource officer (SRO) programs. The measure requires any SRO participating in the grant program to complete the active shooter emergency response training provided by CLEET.

To qualify for a grant, a public school must:

Employ an SRO or enter into a contract or memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a local law enforcement agency; and

Provide 50 percent matching funds, which may be provided in partnership with a local law enforcement agency.

"Time is of the essence when it comes to school safety," Lowe said. "Senate Bill 100 would help identify areas of improvement for schools in the event of a threat, and Senate Bill 101 would provide grants to help schools hire school resource officers trained for active shooter emergencies. I'm encouraged by the support of these bills and look forward to presenting them both on the House floor soon."

Both bills were authored in the Senate by Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee.

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Columnist wrong about Russia

EDITOR:

Letter to the Editor

Citizens of Edmond appreciate Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper. We do get a little glimpse of what is happening in our community. I think I can safely say that many in Edmond would truly appreciate a regular paper once or twice a week.

I read Life & Leisure comments by Steve Gust. I realize Steve Gust is a commentator on the edge. I am not a military strategist and I am certain Mr. Gust is not either. Many times I am very concerned after I read the column.

His column several weeks ago made the suggestion that Russia declare victory and leave Ukraine. Really? It was unbelievable that you would leave Ukraine unprotected and award the war criminal, an aggressor, a victory. This could have been a time the patriots of Ukraine were elevated as they are trying to protect their country. They have lost so much.

Awarding Russia victory! Oh my! Amazing!

ANN T. CATHER Edmond

By Rep. Collin Duel

We are over halfway done with session!

Last week we passed over 300 Senate Bills out of House Committees.

Now, I have three Senate Bills eligible to be heard on the House floor: SB398, SB483 and SB34.

It's been exciting to watch these bills advance with such wide support, and I am eager for these bills' final steps before potentially becoming law! I look forward to next week as we will start hearing Senate Bills on the House floor.

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