Georgia Governor's $50 million school safety plan sparks debate over mental health resources

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Georgia Governor's $50 million school safety plan sparks debate over mental health resources

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp speaks to lawmakers about his 2025 plans on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp unveiled a $50 million one-time funding proposal on Monday aimed at bolstering safety across public schools. However, the plan has come under fire for failing to address growing calls for expanded counseling services—a demand intensified by the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder last September, which claimed four lives.
While the proposed funding aims to fortify immediate security measures, critics argue that it falls short of tackling the mental health crisis many educators believe is pivotal to preventing such tragedies.

A Landmark Shift in School Safety Funding

The $50 million supplement will augment the existing $109 million in ongoing state funding, marking the first instance of sustained financial support for Georgia’s public schools rather than temporary safety grants. The additional funds will take effect on July 1.
Governor Kemp, quoted by the Associated Press, framed the initiative as a proactive step, stating, “All of these investments were planned with the goal of making our schools even safer.” He also referenced the Apalachee High tragedy, adding, “Without state funding, that fateful day could have been even more tragic.”

Breakdown of the Funding Proposal

Under the proposed plan, each of Georgia’s more than 2,000 public schools would receive an additional $21,635 to enhance security measures, supplementing the $47,125 previously allocated. Additionally, Kemp recommended an $872,000 increase in funding for school psychologists, which would add about 16 psychologists across the state. This would create a ratio of one psychologist for every 2,420 students.

The Unmet Demand for Mental Health Support

Despite the proposed funding boost, Kemp and fellow Republicans have refrained from advancing legislation to restrict children’s access to firearms. Meanwhile, Democratic State Representative Michelle Au of Johns Creek introduced a bill on Monday proposing misdemeanor charges for adults who fail to securely store firearms around children.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods, alongside advocacy groups, continues to call for significant investment in counseling and mental health services. Woods has pushed for expanded funding for the

Apex mental health initiative

, which currently serves only one-third of Georgia’s schools. He has also recommended direct funding for crisis alert systems and police officers in schools.

A Shortfall in Staffing Ratios

The $109 million in school safety funding approved last year aimed to ensure every school could afford at least one resource officer. However, local superintendents have noted that the actual cost of hiring school resource officers far exceeds the allocated amount.
Educational associations have also sounded the alarm over staffing shortages. The American School Counselor Association recommends one counselor for every 250 students. However, Georgia’s current funding supports a ratio of one counselor per 450 students. Advocacy groups are pushing for a revised ratio of one counselor per 400 students, which would require an additional $26 million annually.
Providing sufficient state funding for at least one social worker in every school district would cost an estimated $1.7 million. The cost of adding more school psychologists, while necessary, remains the least expensive of the proposed mental health measures.

Challenges in Expanding Mental Health Services

Governor Kemp acknowledged the importance of the Apex program but cited the difficulty in recruiting licensed counselors and mental health professionals. Speaking to the Associated Press, Kemp said, “I’m open to all of the above,” when asked about potential increases in mental health funding. However, unless the governor includes this in his budget proposal, legislators would be forced to reallocate funds from other areas due to spending caps.
In addition to the Apex expansion, Kemp announced plans to fund crisis counseling training for 20 school and college counselors through the Southern Regional Education Board.

Political Reactions and Legislative Proposals

Kemp’s initiatives have garnered support from Lt. Governor Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns, both Republicans. Burns emphasized the grants’ flexibility, stating, “These grants will provide the discretion needed to fit the unique needs of every school in every corner of our state.”
Jones has reiterated his call for legislation requiring teachers and school staff to wear panic buttons. Burns renewed his push for a state-wide information-sharing system connecting educational institutions, child welfare agencies, and juvenile courts to improve threat assessments. Additionally, Burns has suggested redirecting revenue from automated school zone speeding fines to fund school safety improvements.
While Kemp’s $50 million proposal signals a commitment to enhancing school safety, its limitations highlight a broader debate about how best to protect students. Critics argue that without substantial investments in mental health services, the plan may fall short of addressing the root causes of school violence.

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