Today is June 18, 2026, and the echoes of tragedy still resonate in the halls of schools across Florida and beyond. Max Schachter, a passionate school-safety advocate and father of Parkland shooting victim Alex, recently took center stage at a training event for Volusia County Schools officials and law enforcement. This gathering, held on June 15, aimed to bolster safety measures in schools, a cause that has become deeply personal for Schachter since the horrific events of February 14, 2018, when a gunman claimed the lives of 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Max Schachter’s journey is unimaginable for many. He lost his son Alex that day, a loss that propelled him into the world of advocacy for school safety reforms. Schachter has worked tirelessly, pushing for initiatives like the school guardian program and advocating to raise the minimum age for firearm purchases from 18 to 21. His tireless efforts have reached the highest levels of government, working alongside Presidents Trump and Biden, and even testifying before Congress. It’s a journey filled with grief and determination, and one that highlights the urgent need for change in school safety protocols.
Investing in Safety
Florida is gearing up to spend over $500 million on school security measures for the 2025-26 school year. This figure represents the highest per pupil expenditure on school safety in the U.S. The state’s approach includes placing armed school guardians—individuals with military or law enforcement backgrounds—at each school. Volusia Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin has made it clear: safety is their top priority. She recognizes that, in light of past tragedies, the importance of being prepared can’t be overstated.
Schachter’s own experiences serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of unpreparedness. The shooter in the Parkland incident entered through an open gate, armed with a semi-automatic rifle. This tragic breach of security resulted in devastating consequences, and Schachter is acutely aware that proper threat assessments and training could have potentially altered that day’s outcome. In contrast, Volusia County Schools conduct regular reunification training, striving to improve crisis responses—a lesson painfully learned from the chaos that ensued during the Parkland tragedy.
Broader Context of School Violence
While Florida is working hard to enhance school safety, the issue of violence in schools isn’t confined to just one state. A recent report from Germany indicates a worrying rise in school violence there as well. In 2024, German police recorded 28,760 violent incidents in schools, a staggering increase from 20,979 in 2022—a 37.1% jump! This rise includes various forms of violence, from minor assaults to more serious offenses like threats and robbery.
As the statistics show, violence in schools is a growing concern worldwide. Teachers in Germany reported that 47% of them have witnessed physical and psychological violence at their schools. Notably, 65% of school administrators have noted an uptick in violence against staff. Factors contributing to this alarming trend include personal and familial issues, media consumption, and the psychological burdens that many students face, particularly exacerbated by the social isolation brought on by pandemic-related school closures.
This global perspective on school violence underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures that extend beyond any single location. While Max Schachter’s advocacy shines a light on the pressing need for school safety reforms in Florida, it also serves as a reminder that this is a shared challenge that educators, parents, and policymakers must tackle together. The stakes are incredibly high, and the importance of fostering safe learning environments has never been more critical.
For more on Max Schachter’s journey and the ongoing fight for school safety, you can read further in the original article here.
And for insights into the broader context of school violence, check out the statistics and findings here.