Senate Bill 2 of 2024, sponsored by Senator Max Wise, is what can be considered a continuation of the work he championed with the late Representative John “Bam” Carney in 2019 with the Kentucky School Safety and Resiliency Act. The work catalyzed by the tragedy at Marshall County High School in January 2018. 

The challenges of ensuring the physical and emotional security for both our students and educational staff call for innovative and comprehensive solutions. 

Many advocates know that when bills include several components to tackle a complex issue, there might not be total alignment with every provision. KYA has publicly identified concerns with the utilization, preparation, and activities of School Resource Officers. Below there is information related to the “guardian” provision, as well as the other components of the bill and the potential impacts on student safety and well-being. Like all legislation, the implementation of each provision is where the reality of the impact on kids comes into play. 

Guardian Program

SB 2 would create a guardian program allowing Kentucky schools to hire specially trained individuals, known as “guardians,” for the purposes of enhancing safety and security on school premises. These guardians are selected from a pool of experienced individuals, such as honorably discharged veterans and retired law enforcement officers, and are required to meet stringent qualifications, including background checks, training in firearms, and certifications from the Center for School Safety. The program is voluntary for schools and is meant to serve temporarily until the SRO position – required within SB 1 of 2019 – can be filled. It would also allow private schools to partner with local law enforcement or the Kentucky State Police, if they choose. 

Is this good for Kentucky’s Kids?

Kentucky Youth Advocates remains steadfast in our stance that evidence lacks on the effectiveness of SROs to maintain the overall safety of our schools and in fact, demonstrates that those positions can instead actually jeopardize student belonging. 

Optimally, we hope that an innovative approach to this new position may enhance the effectiveness of the SRO program. Minimally, any adult in any role in any school building – including law enforcement – must be appropriately trained so that their focus is supporting young people, and not simply punishing them. Like all legislation impacting kids, we know that  thoughtful questions and planning to ensure safe and effective implementation will be necessary. 

Center For School Safety + School Mapping Data

SB 2 would require the Center for School Safety to administer a School Mapping Data Program, designed to create a unified source of detailed mapping data for school campuses, ensuring compatibility with existing software and accessibility without fees. The data includes accurate floor plans, site-specific labeling, and is freely available to public safety agencies and schools, enhancing emergency preparedness and response. It also would allow private schools to take part, if they choose. 

Is this good for Kentucky’s Kids?

A school’s readiness and proactive planning around safety will result in safer classrooms and appropriate responses if a school or individual students are threatened. 

Trauma Informed Teams

SB 2 would maintain the work of trauma-informed teams, which work to assist school personnel in supporting students affected by trauma, focusing on enhancing learning, behavior, and relationships, while also identifying strategies for recognizing and responding to mental health issues. They aim to build resiliency and wellness among students, compile annual records of their activities for school improvement plans, and submit these records to the Kentucky Department of Education. This bill builds upon the previously required teams by further clarifying the purpose of trauma-informed teams and requiring that the trauma-informed plan be updated annually and updates shared with the Legislative Research Commission (LRC). 

Is this good for Kentucky’s Kids?

We know that 1 in 5 of Kentucky’s kids have experienced at least 2 adverse childhood experiences. Environments that are sensitive and informed about trauma provide educators with the chance to work together in a manner that upholds a student’s mental and physical well-being which is essential for learning to occur. The additional step of submitting trauma-informed plans to the LRC holds schools accountable and ensures plans are revisited and updated once per year. 

Anonymous Reporting Tool

SB 2 would require the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to maintain an anonymous reporting tool. Local school districts are required to offer this tool or an approved alternative to students, parents, and community members, enabling them to anonymously report unsafe or dangerous activities to public safety agencies and school officials. Additionally, districts using an alternative tool must also develop a comprehensive training and awareness program on its use.

Is this good for Kentucky’s Kids?

There are times when a student, parent or community member is aware of a threat to the safety of students or others in the school. While reporting is generally more effective when provided with contact information for follow-up, there are times when an individual cannot safely report due to a risk to themselves. An anonymous reporting tool provides an option to ensure critical information is getting to the appropriate agency. 

Suicide Prevention Training + Programming in Schools 

SB 2 would require that all students grades 6th-12th receive two evidence-based suicide prevention lessons each school year. 

This bill also would require 1 hour of high-quality evidence-based suicide prevention training for all district employess that have direct contact with students grades 4th-12th. The training will include risk factors, warning signs, protective factors, response procedures, referral, postvention, and the recognition of signs and symptoms of possible mental illness.

Is this good for Kentucky’s Kids?

Kentucky has seen an increase in the number of students dealing with mental health challenges, self-harm, and even attempted or completed suicide. Knowing the signs and how to respond to issues is critical information for both students and staff. 

To learn more about Senate Bill 2 and school safety efforts, listen to the March 11th episode of KET’s Kentucky Tonight. 

Photo by Taylor Flowe on Unsplash