Twitter:
https://twitter.com/AAdelsonABC36Since the school shooting last week, many people are talking about beefing up school security.
Here in Kentucky, the numbers show spending on a school safety program has gone down.
Over the last 5 years, the state cut funding 58%. Spending went from more than $10 million to about $4.5 million.
Lexington parents find the figures alarming.
"I think we need to reassess our priorities," said Harry Overtoom.
"I don't agree with it," said Michael Tipton.
With fewer state dollars coming in, Fayette County also lost federal funding, but School Board Member John Price says the district is doing its best to keep schools safe.
"Our police officers, our buildings, our protocol, we are doing everything we can to make it as safe as possible for our kids," said John Price.
Fayette County is one of the only districts in the state funding school law enforcement with local dollars, but the district would love more money.
"If we could receive additional funding from the state that would certainly be very helpful," said Price.
Schools across Kentucky learn from the state funded Center for School Safety. Less funding means less training for schools.
"We've had to reduce a lot of our services that we've had. For example, we offer probably 30 statewide trainings when our funds are were up. We're down to about 15 trainings now," said Center for School Safety Executive Director Jon Akers.
He says Kentucky schools are safe, but he would like more money to help keep them that way.
