The parents of the Marshall County High School shooting victims say now is the time make sure our children are protected and safe. The silence in the room was deafening as Jasen and Secret Holt talked to the School Safety Working Group about their daughter Bailey and Brian and Teresa Cope talked about their son Preston.
Jasen Holt asked the working group to encourage funding to help prevent future tragedies.
Brian Cope said securing schools needs to be the top priority.
When the mothers were asked by Senator Alice Forgey-Kerr what they think will help, Teresa Cope said relationships and teaching life skills.
Secret Holt agreed with Teresa about the importance of relationships. She added her younger daughter needs the assurance that she and her family will be safe.
Kentucky State Police Colonel Alex Payne talked about how quickly the Marshall County shooter acted and added now is the time to change.
Marshall County Superintendent Trent Lovett said mental health has to be a priority.
Brian Cope asked the committee to consider what a child’s life is worth.
The School Safety Working Group will have a listening session involving only students to get their perspectives on school safety during the next meeting August 13 in Frankfort. The group also discussed possibly having a listening session involving teachers during the same meeting.
