Putnam County has formed a School Safety Team.  Sheriff Kevin McConville says the security of students and staff is of fundamental importance to his Department.  He notes that there is an undeniable and increasing prevalence of emergency situations in schools, and there is an increasing severity of school violence. Since Columbine, which occurred in 1999, McConville says there have been over 287 school shootings.  American Rescue Plan Act funding will be used to provide a critical review and assessment of schools, safety programs, and intervention procedures.  He says a fresh appraisal of emergency management plans, preparedness and response actions will assist law enforcement.