NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Comptroller's Office has reviewed the recent school security changes enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly earlier this year.
In order to enact these changes, new funding was appropriated for public school needs, private school needs and statewide supports including:
- $140 million (recurring) for at least one full-time SRO in every public school, including both traditional and charter schools.
- $10 million (nonrecurring) for additional school safety support for public schools without full-time SROs for the 2023-24 school year.
- $40 million (nonrecurring) to enhance school safety through one-time Public School Security grants
- $14 million (nonrecurring) to enhance school safety through one-time Non-public School Security Grants.
- $8 million (recurring) for additional school-based behavioral health liaisons across the state, administered through the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (DMHSAS).
- $30 million ($15 million recurring; $15 million nonrecurring) to the Department of Safety for additional Homeland Security agents, support staff and records management system to expand its school safety initiative to all 95 counties.
According to the review, all Tennessee schools are now required to have locked school entrances while students are present, during the school day and during school-related activities outside of regular hours.
Private schools must conduct at least one intruder drill each year and all schools must begin conducting an incident command drill and an emergency bus safety drill, if they provide bus service, at least once per year.
The review also said that training requirements were revised to mandate an eight-hour active shooter training for any licensed armed security guard who provides security of patrol services for any elementary, middle or high school.
New laws also codify requirements for school districts and charter schools to conduct annual school security assessments that identify security vulnerabilities.
According to the review, there are also new requirements for schools built or remodeled after July 2023. These requirements include:
- Inside locks on each classroom door
- Clear, bullet-resistant or entry-resistant film on glass panels of each exterior door or basement-level window
- A camera system, accessible by a local law enforcement agency, that continuously monitors each entrance, hallway and communal area in the school building during regular hours and during school-related activities on school grounds
- At least one secure vestibule serves as the primary entrance to the school and contains two separate sets of doors, capable of being locked separately, through which people must pass to gain entrance
You can read the whole report at this link.