Here is a glimpse at the big school-safety proposals pending at the Minnesota Legislature:
FUNDING OPTIONS FOR MORE SECURITY
District leaders typically need to win voter approval of capital tax levies to increase school security. Lawmakers want to provide more flexibility in how districts can use capital dollars provided by the state. Most of that money is now restricted to infrastructure maintenance.
RELATED: Is there such thing as too much school security?
MORE COUNSELORS, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Minnesota lags much of the nation in students’ access to school counselors and others who can help with problems not directly related to their learning. Education advocates have long pushed for more state resources to help struggling students. Lawmakers are considering new funding for mental health services and other student-safety needs.
THREAT-ASSESSMENT TEAMS
Schools are required to perform lockdowns and other drills throughout the year to prepare for emergencies. One proposal would require districts to form threat-assessment teams to provide guidance to students and staff about the best way to handle threats.
ARMING TEACHERS
State law already would allow educators with the proper permits to carry weapons on campus if school leaders allow it. Lawmakers have proposed creating training programs for responding to active-shooter situations and establishing a permit for teachers to carry guns.