Utah schools installing $72 million security measures as teachers nationwide fear shootings

Utah school districts have made a hefty financial investment in security upgrades as the majority of U.S. educators fear a school shooting.

Last year, Utah lawmakers approved $72 million in funding to help schools install critical security updates. Improved fencing, bulletproof window film, bleeding kits, and security cameras are among the upgrades schools are installing.

Earlier this year, the Pew Research Center reported that 59% of K-12 educators fear a school shooting could take place in their classrooms. 

In a bid to prevent tragedy in their classrooms, more than 150 school districts and charter schools across Utah competed for a piece of the state funding that was allocated through a process overseen by the Utah State Board of Education’s Safe and Healthy Schools Team. 

Charter schools were granted 30% of the funding, while traditional schools were awarded roughly 70%, according to a report by the Salt Lake Tribune. 

Christopher Williams, a spokesman for the Davis School District, which received safety grants for 69 of its 92 schools, told the outlet he was focused on getting bulletproof window film and intercom system upgrades because they could be installed swiftly. 

“The district chose to focus on these needs because the upgrades can be implemented quickly,” Williams said. 

Cache County School District, North Sanpete School District, Granite School District, and Kane School District were among the other top beneficiaries of the state safety funding, all receiving roughly $3 million. 

While gun violence is rare in Utah schools, school shootings nationwide reached a record high in 2022 before falling the next year.