Senator Byrd's School Safety Resources

Across the country, tragedies have been visited upon schools across the country. From Kentucky to Oregon to Colorado, the notion of schools as safe havens has been shattered by the sound of gunfire. These acts are not limited to specific geographic regions or family backgrounds, nor do they have a single catalyst. Those who have committed such heinous acts have done so for different reasons, at different times, in different schools. But these acts of school violence have at least one thing in common -- they have spurred all of us to take a closer look at what can be done to better protect children at school.

Protecting our children is not simply a matter of public policy. It is a matter of strengthening basic values, of teaching children right from wrong, of instilling in them respect for others. We each have a responsibility to work to end youth violence and to keep schools safe for children and for those who teach them.

Many West Virginia school districts have implemented new safety initiatives. On this web site, I have compiled information on some of these efforts. Federal funding sources are outlined as are the latest updates on legislative action aimed at improving school safety. A snapshot of state and national safe school statistics and a comprehensive list of internet sites that have the latest information on school safety and violence prevention efforts are also on this web site.

I hope this web site provides you with ideas and initiatives you will find useful.