3 p.m.  (AP) — A state official says Kansas schools are becoming better prepared to respond to natural and man-made disasters but will need more resources to keep improving.

Bob Hull, director of the Kansas Center for Safe and Prepared Schools, told lawmakers Thursday that shrinking federal grants have limited the state’s ability to help schools prepare for tornadoes or violent intruders.

Hull says that schools are conducting more drills and risk assessments. But he adds that more money is needed to build safe rooms and provide crisis training.

Hull made the remarks to the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Kansas Security. Its chairman, Sen. Jay Emler, says the center has enough funding to get through the next calendar year, but funding beyond that is uncertain. The center receives $50,000 from the state annually.

 

(AP) — Legislators will get a briefing from a member of the Kansas adjutant general’s staff about school safety and security.

The update will be provided Thursday afternoon from Bob Hull, director of the Kansas Center for Safe and Prepared Schools. His office works with school districts to improve student and staff safety through a variety of programs, including the construction of safe rooms to protect against storm damage.

Members of the Joint Committee on Kansas Security will also hear updates on security at the state Capitol complex and a report on an audit of residential care for military veterans at state facilities.