Across America, mass shooting events have gripped the public consciousness, with Utah being no exception. Through 2022, the U.S. had experienced a total of 2,331 school shootings, with nearly a fifth of those occurring between 2020 and 2022. This has led to several pieces of legislation being passed to combat this persistent threat, in Utah HB61 or The School Safety and Support Grant Funding Bill set aside $72 Million to enhance the security at schools across the state.

In a process overseen by the State Board of Education Safe and Healthy Schools Team, the $72 million was divided up based on applications formed from a “safety needs” assessment performed by each school. Schools with lower student counts and those with existing safety specialists were given priority in the grant.

For the districts and charter schools of the Castle Country Area, the Emery School District received $609,222, the Carbon School District received $608,861 and Pinnacle Canyon Academy received $548,236. 

The schools have until 2026 to use up the funds awarded to them through the grant, with allowable uses for the fund including improvements such as security systems, cameras, locks and the hiring of security personnel.

Out of the rural districts in the state, the North Sanpete School District which covers the northern half of Sanpete County, was awarded the most funding for a rural school district receiving $3.1 million in grant money. Overall, the Davis School District received the most funding with $4.6 million.

In addition to this bill, the state legislature also passed HB119, which was sponsored by Sen. David Hinkins, which changes the parameters for teachers in K-12 schools to carry firearms, as well as creating an “Educator-Protector Program” where teachers and administrators are trained by local Sheriff’s Offices, something which the Emery County Sheriff’s Office recently posted about.

It is yet to be seen what these bills will affect within the schools of Castle Country, but ideally, these measures lead to a safer learning environment for one of the most vulnerable populations among us, the children.