Governor Gregoire Statement on Shooting at Foss High School

For Immediate Release: January 3, 2007

�My thoughts and prayers are with the victim of this tragic incident, as well as with his friends and family. This is a difficult time for the Foss high school community, students, parents and teachers.

�We are reminded once again of the importance of ensuring that our children are protected and our schools are safe places to learn. This incident highlights the need to complete the school mapping project, which provides law enforcement with the tools they need to react swiftly and effectively to school emergencies.�

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Governor Gregoire has made education the top priority of her administration. Her 2007 � 2009 budget provides $6.2 million to complete the school mapping program, which provides public safety officials with up to date information on school layout, utilities, personnel and evacuation routes in order to effectively respond to emergencies and protect students at public schools. This will complete the mapping program with comprehensive emergency assessments of the final 275 schools.