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Governor: Va. school safety has improved since Sandy Hook

Posted at 1:38 PM, Dec 12, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-12 13:38:30-05

HENRICO COUNTY, Va (WTVR) - The one year anniversary of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary is just two days away.  Following the tragedy, school districts across the nation began analysis of their safety protocols.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell commissioned a task force comprised of law enforcement, education, and health care professionals to look at school safety in Virginia.

The group finished their complete report in September, but already more than 60 of their recommendations have been signed into law.  See the task force's full report here.

Governor McDonnell addressed Virginia's progress over the past year at Mills Godwin High School Thursday afternoon.

McDonnell said there is a new statewide focus on improving mental health care measures and increasing funding for security upgrades at schools.  More than 70 percent of Virginia schools now have mental health professionals on site, according to McDonnell.  Millions of dollars in grants have already been awarded to School Resource Officer programs as well.

Friday has been declared a day of mourning in Virginia by the Governor's Office.  Virginian's are asked to pause for a moment of silence at 9:30am to honor the 26 victims who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook shooting.