Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra has moved forward with her school safety proposal by contracting with a Boise security consultant who specializes in self-defense and concealed weapons training.
The Idaho Department of Education entered into a contract last month with Forward Movement Training Center owner Matt Schneider, who will conduct outreach between the department, law enforcement officials, and leaders of the Idaho Office of School Safety and Security. The contract also calls for Schneider to provide information and cost estimates on statewide training in school safety and security.
Since its formation in 2016, the Idaho Office of School Safety and Security has forged partnerships with local law enforcement agencies and emergency responders, and conducted personalized school safety assessments at about two-thirds of all Idaho school buildings. The contract signals that Ybarra is moving ahead with her Keep Idaho Schools Safe – or KISS – proposal, though the Legislature has not held a hearing on the plan or acted on her $19 million supplemental funding request.
The most expensive part of Ybarra’s plan is a one-time $18.5 million grant program to provide a trained security presence or other safety enhancements at every Idaho school. (Idaho Education News)
