Orange County Executive Ed Diana announced his strategy to improve school safety across the region. Elaina Athans has more.

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ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. -- "I think it's something that's money well spent," said Orange County Executive Ed Diana.

Orange County school districts within this academic year could have funds funneled in to improve school safety for students. County Executive Ed Diana announces an initiative spawn out of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Diana plans to ask the legislature for $1.2 million to then disburse to every school district in the county, 18 in total.

"Where money is being spent and why that will not be made public. The bad guys are not going to know what we're thinking on safety and security," said Diana.

Districts will have to submit a plan on how they intent to use the money to a newly formed blue ribbon panel.

"We realize that one size does not fit all. Every school has a different approach, a different way of looking at things," said Orange County District Attorney Frank Phillips.

The county, though, does want districts to address mental Illness. According to the Department of Mental Health Commissioner, one in five children with significant mental illness are not receiving treatment.

"We do not want to miss an opportunity where they spend so much of their time," said Darcie Miller, Department of Mental Health Commissioner.