Tennessee board urges governor to fund wearable panic alarms for school safety

During a recent Board of Education meeting on February 7, 2025, Washington County Schools took a significant step toward enhancing school safety by adopting a resolution that calls for state funding to provide wearable panic alarms for all school employees. This initiative, inspired by past tragedies, aims to ensure a rapid response in emergencies, including active shooter situations.

Board member Mr. Huddleston passionately advocated for the resolution, sharing his personal connection to the issue stemming from the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, which claimed the lives of 17 individuals, including students and teachers. He emphasized the emotional toll such events take on educators, who often maintain lifelong connections with their students.

The resolution seeks to address the inadequacies of current safety measures, highlighting that while some funding has been allocated for school resource officers (SROs), it is insufficient to cover the costs of panic alarm systems. Mr. Huddleston pointed out that many school districts lack the financial resources to implement these safety measures independently, arguing that school safety should be a state-level priority rather than a local concern.

The proposed panic alarms would allow school employees to quickly summon help during emergencies, significantly reducing response times by alerting both staff and local law enforcement to the exact location of the threat. Mr. Huddleston urged the state government to prioritize funding for these devices, drawing attention to the millions spent on private school vouchers as a comparison for potential funding sources.

The board's discussion also included updates on progress made in securing funding through the County Educational Capital Fund, with plans to present the resolution to the county commission for further consideration. The resolution received unanimous support from board members, reflecting a collective commitment to improving safety measures in schools.

As the board moves forward, the resolution will be sent to Governor Lee and local legislators, reinforcing the call for state-supported funding to protect students and staff across Tennessee. This initiative not only aims to enhance immediate safety but also seeks to foster a more secure learning environment for all students in the community.