Dewine proposes ‘significant’ spending to protect schools

COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike Dewine on Friday announced plans to spend “a significant amount of money” on efforts to ensure every school building in the state is properly protected against an attack.

The Republican governor said he’s asked the state schools superintendent for an assessment of which schools need such infrastructure additions within the next few days. Dewine did not name a figure but said, “This is not going to be cheap.”

He also did not detail the types of security measures he’s talking about, which based on measures some schools already have in place, might range from metal detectors to classroom barricade devices.

All parents in Ohio need to know if their students’ buildings, whether public or private schools, meet the highest standards for protection, Dewine said in his first remarks since a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers in a Texas elementary school Tuesday.

“When we’re dealing with our children’s lives we must be willing to spend the money we need to spend,” he said.

Dewine also announced plans to “dramatically increase” the number of regional liaisons with Ohio’s School Safety Center — currently four — who work with schools on safety and security. The center is still determining how many more will be added, said Department of Public Safety spokesperson Bret Crow.

In addition, the governor announced plans — without specifying a dollar amount — to pay for “comprehensive” training for all Ohio educators to help identify troubled children early on.

In the wake of the 2019 Dayton massacre that killed nine and wounded more than two dozen, Dewine announced his “STRONG Ohio” plan to address gun violence. His proposals include higher penalties for violent felons caught with guns and to ensure that mentally ill people don’t have guns if a court deems them dangerous to themselves and others.

Republican lawmakers have refused to vote on such proposals and instead sent the governor bills weakening gun control measures, including a bill making concealed weapons permits optional for anyone legally allowed to carry a gun. Dewine signed that measure into law in March and said Friday he stands by that decision.