From MSBA's Center for Education Safety
To Missouri's educators, school leaders, school board members, parents, first responders, policymakers, and community partners:
Every child deserves to learn in an environment that is safe and secure. Every educator deserves to work in a school where prevention and preparedness are priorities. Every community deserves confidence that those entrusted with protecting children have the training, resources, and expertise to respond when challenges arise.
That mission has guided MSBA's Center for Education Safety since its inception. This past year alone, the Center trained nearly 6,000 school administrators, educators, school safety professionals, and law enforcement personnel from across Missouri — strengthening our schools' capacity across all four pillars of comprehensive school safety: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
In 2025, the legislature passed a landmark school safety bill that set a reasonable standard of care for school safety. Over the past year, CES has walked hand in hand with districts to meet this standard with support from state appropriation. Today, however, we must share concerning news about the future of state-funded school safety training in Missouri.
For the current fiscal year, the Missouri General Assembly reduced funding for statewide school safety initiatives from $1.5 million to $1 million. The Governor then exercised a line-item veto removing an additional $500,000 — leaving just $500,000 in total state funding, a 66 percent reduction from the previous appropriation.
The safety of Missouri’s students must be worth more than $.52 per child.
This cut comes at a time when school safety challenges are growing more complex, ranging from violence and behavioral concerns to cyber threats, mental health crises, and emergency preparedness. The need for high-quality training and support has never been greater. And while many states are increasing their investments in school safety, Missouri has chosen a different path.
Despite this reduction, our commitment remains unchanged. The Center for Education Safety will continue providing training, consultation, technical assistance, crisis support, and educational resources to Missouri schools.
However, the financial reality means that, for the first time, school safety supports previously offered at no cost will now have associated fees. This is not a decision we make lightly. As a nonprofit organization, we will keep costs as low as reasonably possible, and any fees assessed will go directly toward sustaining the services Missouri schools depend upon. We know districts face budget pressures of their own, and we will work diligently to provide affordable options, regional delivery models, and partnership opportunities so that schools of every size can continue participating in critical safety training.
School safety is not a political issue. It is not a rural issue, an urban issue, or a suburban issue. It is a responsibility shared by all of us — and the cost of prevention is always less than the cost of tragedy.
To those who have supported our mission, attended our trainings, trusted our guidance, and partnered in this important work: thank you. The Center for Education Safety will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone who protects Missouri's children every day.
Because every student deserves a safe learning environment.
Because every educator deserves a secure workplace.
And because there is no higher honor — and no greater responsibility — than protecting those who cannot protect themselves.
Sincerely
Melissa Randol
Chief Executive Officer
Missouri School Boards’ Association
John McDonald
Chief Operating Officer
MSBA’s Center for Education Safety