Parents Willing to Pay for It Themselves.

• Position: SCHOOL SAFETY

As parents across the country head out to purchase No. 2 pencils, composition notebooks, and a flurry of other back-to-school supplies, there is one more item mothers and fathers are prepared to pay for out of their own pockets: improved school security.

According to a survey commissioned by Raptor Technologies, Houston, Texas, and Safe and Sound Schools, a nonprofit founded by Sandy Hook parents, 81 % of students and 89% of parents expressed anxiety over shootings with the start of the academic year, and 75% of parents are willing to pay out to do something about it.

When asked about prioritizing funding, both parent and student survey respondents ranked improved security as the top priority for additional funding over academics, arts, and athletics.

"As a community concerned with school safety, we need to better address both prevention of school violence as well as preparation for such incidents," says Eileen Shihadeh, senior vice president of Raptor Technologies. "Businesses, organizations, and schools need to...