Use remaining school security money for mental health treatment

Wisconsin’s schools are getting safer. The state set aside $100 million in grants awarded to schools across the state in the wake of the school shootings in Parkland, Florida. A majority of the state’s 147 school districts have applied for and received the money to improve safety with more door locks, more secure entrances and video cameras. The La Crosse district received more than a quarter million dollars from the state to improve security in its schools. But there are still millions in grants available, and Attorney General Brad Schimel is considering how to distribute the remaining money. It is good that the physical security of our schools is improving, but Schimel would be wise to use the remaining funds to fund mental health treatment in our schools. So far not one dollar of that $100 million has been allocated to address mental health issues among students. That is despite the fact that a majority of those who have committed school shootings have had a long history of mental health issues. The money is there to fund this treatment. Before we buy any more door locks, we should at least try to help those who may be battling issues before they resort to violence.