Horne to request $180 million to sustain and grow vital School Safety Program

Proposal has support from law enforcement, elected officials

PHOENIX – Citing the increasing need to protect children, educators and staff on school campuses, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has submitted a $180 million legislative budget request to sustain and increase funding for the state’s School Safety Program. 

The current state funding for school safety, including the initial appropriation and carryover funds, is just over $128 million. There is an additional $20 million in federal dollars. Both sources are set to expire in 2026. The $180 million request, if approved, would ensure the current level of funding will continue and the added $32 million will allow for expanding the program for more officers and training.

Horne stated, “Over the past several weeks, our nation has witnessed terrible school tragedies. This problem is not going away, and we need to address it aggressively. Therefore, I am now making a budget request of the legislature to appropriate at least $180 million to make sure we have no gap in providing funding for armed officers on campuses. This request adds dollars to hire and train officers for more schools statewide to protect students, educators, and classified staff.”

He added, “The value of having armed officers on campuses is beyond dispute. One of the best examples occurred earlier this year when a heroic Tucson police officer arrested an armed intruder on a school campus during class hours. This criminal was armed with a gun and a knife and told the officer he was there to kill children and make them famous. The officer was on that campus because of funding through the department’s School Safety Program. In fact, he had been hired less than a month earlier using supplemental dollars my department made available. This program works and deserves more funding so it can be expanded. Every parent should want an officer on their child’s campus.”

Maricopa County Schools Superintendent Shelli Boggs said, "I will continue to advocate for school safety programs. This is about ensuring that every student, in every school, in every neighborhood, has the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are safe." 

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan stated, "As Sheriff of Maricopa County, I strongly support Superintendent Horne's efforts to fully fund our school safety program to ensure all schools have these resources to protect our kids. There is no greater responsibility for society than to do everything possible to keep children safe, especially in a place of learning and growing. To that end, we currently have dozens of MCSO deputies participating in this program and additional funding will allow us to expand our services."

The request is part of the department’s budget request to be considered in the upcoming state legislative session.