Parents of slain student praise Kentucky school safety bill

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – The parents of a student killed in a shooting say Kentucky lawmakers have taken an important first step to enhance school safety by passing a bill intended to boost security and counseling.

Brian and Teresa Cope, the parents of Preston Cope, issued a statement Friday, the day after lawmakers sent the bill to Gov. Matt Bevin. Their son and another student, Bailey Holt, were killed in last year’s shooting at Marshall County High School.

The Copes thanked lawmakers and said there are “five angels smiling down from heaven.” It’s a reference to their son, Holt and three students killed in the 1997 Heath High School shooting.

The bill sets goals, including seeking security officers in every school and at least one counselor for every 250 students. But it comes with no money. Republican budget leaders have vowed to provide the money next year.