Ohio lawmakers open to improving school safety

In the wake of another school shooting and student demonstrations demanding action on gun safety, Sen. Joe Schiavoni is taking another run at awarding funds for schools to improve safety measures.

“My office has been receiving heartbreaking emails and calls from kids who want us to do something to help them feel safe in school,” said the Boardman Democrat. “We need to protect our children while we figure out the best way to end gun violence.”

In what he calls the first in a series of bills he plans to introduce related to Ohio gun laws, Schiavoni, a candidate for governor, said the measure would provide grants to districts. Grant amounts would be up to $100,000, with larger districts qualifying for higher amounts.

Sen. Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green, noted that Ohio lawmakers have already taken a handful of steps in recent years to address school safety. Among them:

$15.7 million spent between 2013 and 2017 through a school security grant program, adding communications and entrance security systems in 3,386 buildings.

A center to promote safe schools. It can be accessed at saferschools. ohio.gov.

A tip line to report possible threats: 844-723-3764.

Allowing districts to request a local levy specifically for school safety and security.

“Ohio has done quite a bit,” Gardner said. “But if there is more we can do that makes a significant difference, I’m open to more ideas.”

For example, he said, the Bowling Green district is utilizing a small metal device known as “The Boot” that can be quickly inserted in the floor to prevent a door from opening.

Schiavoni said he plans to meet with gun experts, educators and parents to develop future legislation.

“These gun bills are going to be a main priority in my legislative office until we get something done,” he said.

President Donald Trump has instructed the Justice Department to act to ban bumpstock devices like those used by the Las Vegas killer that allowed him to effectively convert assault rifles to full automatic, killing 58 people and wounding almost 500.

Attorney General Mike DeWine, a Republican candidate for governor, supports the move.

His GOP opponent, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, “does not advocate a ban on bump stocks,” said campaign spokesman Michael Duchesne. “We need to secure our school buildings and do everything possible to keep our students, teachers and staff safe — including allowing trained, law-abiding citizens to carry a gun on campus.”