Gov. Bob McDonnell speaks to reporters. Photo by: KJ Mushung

– 12 New Laws Will Improve the Safety of Those Who Attend School in Virginia –

Governor Bob McDonnell signed 12 pieces of legislation designed to make Virginia’s schools and campuses safer at Robious Elementary School in Midlothian on June 5.

Speaking about the signing, Governor McDonnell remarked, “In response to the appalling and tragic murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, I issued Executive Order 56 on Dec. 20 of last year in order to establish a multidisciplinary taskforce to comprehensively review school and campus safety in Virginia. As a result of the Governor’s Taskforce on School and Campus Safety’s diligent work, and in partnership with the General Assembly, we have identified practical solutions to greater ensure the safety of those who attend, and those who serve on, Virginia schools and campuses.”

“It is so important that we are doing everything in our power to provide a safe learning environment in our schools and on our campuses,” continued McDonnell. “With this legislation, we are continuing to make it a priority to protect our children and those who have taken on the responsibility of caring for them. The legislation I am signing today will help make schools and campuses in Virginia safer and will provide for training and resources our educators, first responders, and mental health professionals need in order to provide the safest school environment possible. I applaud the excellent work of community leaders, elected officials and policy experts who served on the School and Campus Safety Task Force. While the important work of the task force will continue, because of these measures, Virginia children will be safer and our schools will be more secure.”

In addition to the legislation signed today, McDonnell this year identified strategic budget investments to improve school and campus safety. Including increased funding for school resource officers and mental health services such as psychiatric and crisis response services, mental health first aid training, and a comprehensive statewide suicide prevention program.

“I was honored to serve on the school and campus safety task force, and I’m proud of this legislation that came as a result of the task force’s recommendations,” said Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. “These measures will help ensure our schools are safer and that our children can be focused on their education.”

“The bills signed into law… by Gov. McDonnell are commonsense measures to ensure the safety of our students and the adults who serve them,” said Delegate T. Scott Garrett. “These efforts will help improve our ability to identify threats and prevent incidents that could harm our students. We will also enhance the tools available to education officials and first responders to keep schools and campuses safe. I am honored to have played a role in their passage.”

“The Governor’s Taskforce on School and Campus Safety brought forward many excellent recommendations on a number of issues critical to the health and safety of Virginia students,” said Sen. George L. Barker. “Because of legislation signed today Virginia will have improved mental health care coordination so that students in need will be better served and enforcement will be better equipped to address threats. I applaud the work of the Task Force and thank Governor McDonnell for his leadership on this paramount issue.”

By: Contributing Author

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