ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Aug. 23, 2018)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Jim Accomando:
“This evening, the U.S. Senate passed a spending bill that would fund labor, health and human services and education programs for Fiscal Year 2019. The bill includes a $541 million increase in funding for public education overall. It also dedicates $10 million for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) program as well as includes $125 million increase for the Title IV-A block grant, which provides funding to states to support safe and health students, provide students with a well-rounded education and support effective use of technology in schools.
“While National PTA is pleased that funding is increased for public education overall as well as allocated for family engagement in education, our association is disappointed that the bill does not include an amendment introduced by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) that would have clarified and ensured that Title IV-A funds cannot be used to purchase guns or provide firearm training for educators. The Title IV-A block grant helps schools provide students with important resources, such as comprehensive mental health programs and drug, violence and bullying prevention programs, and is not intended to be used to put guns in schools.
“National PTA believes the most effective day-to-day school climate is a gun-free campus—which includes not arming teachers and administrators. Teachers and administrators are there to educate our children and should not be acting as armed security in classrooms. Our association opposes any attempt to use federal funds to arm or provide firearm training for educators.
“National PTA urges Congress to enact a legislative solution in the appropriations process that ensures schools have the resources and capacity to provide a positive and healthier environment for all students. It is critical that Title IV-A funding is not diverted away from essential student support services to put guns in schools.
“National PTA’s board of directors adopted a new position statement on safe and supportive schools during its August board meeting. The statement outlines our association’s belief that teachers and administrators should not be armed and calls for a multi-faceted approach to address school safety that involves all stakeholders, especially students, parents and families.”
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.
Media Contact
Heidi May Wilson, National PTA
hmay@pta.org, (703) 518-1242
