In the wake of the Newtown, Ct., my heart, like thousands of others across this country, was broken. Our children and their teachers required by law to attend school everyday whether they are safe or not. Tight budgets don't allow for the principals to make the kinds of improvements, I am certain, all of them would love to make.

Acting out of helplessness and, quite frankly, ignorance I contacted Principal Steve Montgomery on the day of that catastrophe and asked to meet with him to discuss the lock down protocol and review the safety measures for his school. Principal Montgomery sprang into action. He called together his PTO, teachers, county education officials, school sponsors, parents and grandparents of his students. Together we began our review and our commitment to help improve safety measures at his school. 

While I shouldn't be, I was amazed at the generosity of committee members and other supporters of what we are trying to accomplish. Good results have already been realized, but more remains to be done. Out of those meetings we decided to contact State Rep. Kevin Brooks and ask for his assistance in passing legislation to create a "Safe Schools" license plate. He readily agreed to help.

Today I received a draft of an amendment he proposes to introduce this session. As it is written, the "Safe Schools" amendment allows a portion of the proceeds from the purchase of these license plates to be sent to the school of your choice to improve safety measures to protect our children from intruders while at school. Proceeds can only be used for that purpose. I applaud his efforts and ask all Tennesseans to contact their state senators and representatives and encourage them support Rep. Brooks amendment. It is the right thing to do. 

Once it is passed, I ask all Bradley Countians to consider the purchase of this special "Safe Schools" license plate to proudly support the funding of safety improvement efforts already underway at the school of your choice.

Personally, I want to thank Rep. Brooks for his efforts on behalf of, not only the teachers and children of Cleveland and Bradley County, but for the assistance school systems across Tennessee will receive. Bradley County is fortunate to have you serving us.