School retrofits, more mental health resources needed, school safety committee says

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SALT LAKE CITY — A school safety advisory committee, made up of state, education and law enforcement leaders presented their list of recommendations for safer schools before the Education Interim Committee Wednesday.

While no action was taken, the goal was to get legislators on board and asking questions ahead of the legislative session come February.

“It was really important to get agreement from the various constituencies in the state,” Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful, said. “I think the process has moved along now to the point where largely those organizations are starting to speak with the same voice.”

Advisory Committee members outlined areas they believe needs improvement, in mental health, public safety, technology, and crisis response. Among the recommended changes was a proposal to increase the number of on-site mental health resources at schools, in hopes of lowering the state’s rising suicide rate. The measure could cost an estimated $30 million.

Another recommendation focuses on retrofitting school buildings statewide so that they’re better prepared in case of a school shooting or major emergency. While the changes would vary from school to school, the cost is estimated at around $164 million.

“Part of the intention is to say we’re not saying this is the exact program or this is the exact retrofit that you have to do,” Ward explained. “But to kind of put aside some money for that, matched with efforts that we know local school districts are already making.”

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Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson often doubles as his own photographer, shooting and editing most of his stories. He came to KSL in April 2011 after working for several years at KUTV. The son of a retired newspaper editor and reporter, Mike grew up around news. He studied broadcast journalism at BYU Idaho, eventually graduating from Southern Utah University in 1999. From there, both he and his wife worked as reporters and anchors at KOTA, the ABC station in Rapid City, South Dakota. Before bringing his family back to Utah, Mike spent several years in Florida, working for stations in Jacksonville and Orlando. While reporting at WOFL, the FOX affiliate in Orlando, Mike served as the station’s Space Reporter. He regularly covered shuttle and rocket launches at Kennedy Space Center, in Cape Canaveral. Originally from Southern California, Mike now considers Utah home. His wife grew up in North Ogden, which means the two of them and their four kids enjoy having plenty of family nearby. When he’s not reporting the news or spending time with family, Mike enjoys woodworking, and playing the guitar.