Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter recently criticized State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister for delays in distributing school security funding. The funds were allocated by the Legislature in 2019 for school safety measures, but Hunter claims that Hofmeister has been slow to disburse the money to districts in need.
Hunter expressed his frustration with the delays, stating that school safety should be a top priority for the state and that Hofmeister’s inaction is putting students at risk. He emphasized the importance of implementing necessary security measures to protect schools from potential threats.
Hofmeister responded to the criticism by defending her office’s handling of the funds, stating that they are working diligently to ensure that the money is allocated properly and effectively. She cited the need for thorough vetting of grant applications and coordination with local law enforcement agencies as reasons for the delays.
In a letter to the State Board of Education, Hunter urged the board to take action to ensure that the funds are distributed in a timely manner. He called on the board to hold Hofmeister and her office accountable for their handling of the school security funding.
The issue of school safety has been a significant concern in Oklahoma, particularly in the wake of recent school shootings. The allocation of funds for security measures was intended to address these concerns and protect students and staff from potential threats.
As the debate continues, it is clear that both Hunter and Hofmeister are committed to ensuring the safety and security of Oklahoma schools. However, the delays in distributing the funding highlight the challenges that still exist in implementing effective security measures in the state’s education system.
Source
Photo credit news.google.com