FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Office of the State School Security Marshal released the annual School Safety Risk Assessment Report, which shows 99% of Kentucky’s schools comply with access control security requirements.
Using $18.2 million in funding, public schools have been able to increase security measures to achieve nearly 100% compliance with state-mandated requirements.
The report shows 685 SROs employed by Kentucky public schools, the most in state history. Additionally, since the passage of the School Safety and Resiliency Act in 2019, the number of full-time SROs has increased by 66%. Since the beginning of last school year alone, there has been a 33% increase in schools with a full-time SRO on campus, and the number is expected to continue to rise during the school year.
The Office of the State School Security Marshal (OSSSM), is required by law to issue this report after compliance officers conduct annual unannounced visits to all public schools. Compliance officers verify compliance with state-mandated security measures and SRO requirements, including access control requirements, surveillance, locked classroom doors, classroom window covering and a threat-assessment team.
Kentuckians are encouraged to report information that may cause harm to schools to the STOP! Tipline at 866-393-6659 or safeschools.ky.gov. Watch this video on the Handle with Care Program for additional resources on further protecting children.
