Tennessee Governor Increases School Security Budget After Nashville Shooting

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee delivers his State of the State address in the House Chamber of the Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., on Jan. 31, 2022. Mark Zaleski/AP Photo

One week after the mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee is requesting an increase in his school security budget.

“This past week will be remembered as one of the most heartbreaking weeks in our state’s history,” Lee said when announcing his amended budget request on April 3.

“The history books will also reflect how Tennessee leaders responded.”

Lee’s proposed state budget included $30 million to place at least one Homeland Security agent in every county to serve both public and private schools, and increase the requirements and accountability for physical security at all schools.

Tanya Coats, president of the Tennessee Education Association, praised the move in a statement on the TEA Facebook page.

A balloon with names of the victims is part of a memorial tribute at the entrance to The Covenant School, in Nashville, Tenn., on March 29, 2023. Wade Payne/AP Photo

“TEA applauds Gov. Lee’s and legislative leadership’s announcement to take immediate steps to fund school resource officers in every school, improve school security, and invest in mental health support,” the statement reads.

Lee’s amended request under HB322 and SB274 includes three components.

The first request is for $140 million to place an armed School Resource Officer (SRO) in every public school in the state. Each SRO would be required to have active shooter training. Lee said this is the most essential step and the most needed.

“There is no excuse to not have a guard in every school,” Lee said.

The next item is a $27 million grant fund for physical security upgrades. The fund would be divided into $20 million for public schools and $7 million for private schools. This is in addition to a previous proposal requiring all exterior school doors to be locked. The law will also authorize local law enforcement to check school doors.

The third proposal would provide $8 million for additional school-based mental health liaisons. Lee said the liaisons would alert officials to anyone exhibiting possible red flags.

‘We Cannot Control Evil’

“We cannot control evil, but we can do something. Our work to ensure the safety of Tennessee students and teachers will not stop,” Lee said.

On March 27, Audrey Hale, 28, of Nashville, killed Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; Mike Hill, 61; and Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9. at The Covenant School. Nashville Police officers shot and killed Hale minutes after a school official called 911.

Hale, a female, used male pronouns and the name Aidan on social media.

Police have not released a motive for the shooting. They say Hale had been planning the crime for months, based on writings found in her vehicle and home. Hale was reportedly being treated for mental health issues, including a reported “emotional disorder.”