The Arkansas Senate Education Committee convened on November 6, 2023, to address the pressing issue of school safety, a topic that has become increasingly critical in light of recent national tragedies. The meeting featured key figures in school safety, including Dr. Cheryl May, Director of the University of Arkansas System's Criminal Justice Institute, and Dr. Mike Hernandez, Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators.

Dr. May emphasized that ensuring school safety is an ongoing effort, not a one-time fix. She highlighted the significant progress Arkansas has made in this area, thanks to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including past and present governors, school superintendents, and dedicated committees focused on school safety. The committee has developed 81 recommendations aimed at enhancing safety protocols in schools, which have been embraced by many superintendents across the state.

The discussion also underscored the alarming statistics surrounding school shootings. Since the Columbine tragedy in 1999, there have been 389 school shootings in the U.S., with 2022 marking the highest number of incidents recorded. In Arkansas, there have been three school shootings since 2018, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and improvement in safety measures.

Legislation has played a crucial role in shaping school safety protocols in Arkansas. Key laws passed in recent years include the Safe Schools Initiative Act, which mandates safety assessments and active shooter drills, and the LEARN's Act, which focuses on crisis response and communication with law enforcement. These legislative efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to school safety, emphasizing prevention, mitigation, and recovery.

Dr. May shared her recent experience visiting Parkland, Florida, where a tragic school shooting occurred in 2018. This visit reinforced the importance of learning from past incidents to prevent future tragedies. She noted that even communities perceived as safe can experience such horrors, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in safety measures.

As the committee concluded its discussions, the focus remained on the ongoing commitment to school safety, with an acknowledgment that while significant strides have been made, there is still much work to be done to protect students and staff across Arkansas. The meeting served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure that schools remain safe environments for learning and growth.