(The Center Square) — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster wants to allocate millions in additional state funds for school safety initiatives.
On Wednesday, the Republican governor said his 2024-25 executive budget would include $13.4 million in recurring funds to hire 175 additional school resource officers, $5 million in non-recurring funds for systems to map Palmetto State schools and $20 million in non-recurring funds for school safety upgrades. In its 2023-24 budget, state lawmakers allocated $20 million to the Department of Education for school safety upgrades.
“We make these investments to keep our young people safe because without maintaining a safe and secure environment in our schools and communities, our students will never reach their full potential,” McMaster said in an announcement. “In addition to these investments, the first thing the General Assembly should do when they return is pass graduated penalties for illegal gun possession, which will help keep illegal guns away from criminals and juveniles and help stop illegal guns from making their way into our schools.”
School mapping systems give 911 operators real-time digital maps specifying where on a school campus an emergency is happening, which officials say will allow first responders to reach a threat faster. School facility upgrades include improving internal door locks, securing school entry points and upgrading window covers, potentially using bulletproof glass.
According to the governor’s office, the number of SROs has grown since 2018, when the governor prioritized funding the officers. That year, 406 public schools in South Carolina had a designated SRO, which has grown to 1,109 of the state’s 1,240 public schools.
McMaster announced his planned spending during a ceremonial bill signing for H. 3360, which the governor signed in June. The measure establishes the Center for School Safety and Targeted Violence within the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
School groups did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the governor’s proposal.
