News Summary
As the new school year approaches, South Carolina districts are ensuring each public school has a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO). With $56 million allocated for this initiative, efforts are underway to fill SRO positions across 25 districts. While some areas have reported success in staffing, others still face challenges due to unfilled roles. The funding aims to enhance school safety and support students through positive role models. Parents are encouraged to engage in discussions about school security for a safer environment.
COLUMBIA, SC — As the new school year approaches, school districts across South Carolina are making significant strides to ensure that every public school is equipped with a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO). The South Carolina state budget has allocated $56 million specifically for this initiative, with the goal of having certified SROs present on every campus by fall.
Governor Henry McMaster has voiced strong support for this funding in his budget veto speech, emphasizing the importance of safety in schools. However, despite the financial backing, challenges remain in meeting the staffing needs, as several SRO positions are yet to be filled. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) is expected to award funding soon for 58 new SRO positions, but even after these positions are filled, 119 schools across 25 districts will still lack an SRO, although funding for those roles will be available.
An open application process for SRO positions will commence in early August and will remain active until all roles are adequately filled. This approach is vital, as previous to the state’s grant program initiated in 2018, only 406 schools had an SRO. In the last academic year, 177 out of 1,284 public schools were without a full-time officer, signaling a critical need for more personnel.
Once the grants are finalized, funds will be awarded to law enforcement agencies that will then assign officers to the respective schools. The challenge, however, is not solely about the availability of funds; rather, it is about attracting suitable candidates for these critical positions. The role of an SRO is pivotal, not only in terms of security but also in serving as positive role models for students and possessing a deep understanding of child behavior.
In the Midlands region, several school districts such as Richland One, Richland Two, Lexington Two, Lexington Three, Lexington-Richland Five, Clarendon County, and Kershaw County have successfully reported having an SRO present in every school. Most of these districts leveraged state grants to ensure that at least one SRO position was funded within their schools.
Looking at neighboring states, Georgia’s Columbia County School District Police Chief reported having 40 POST-certified police officers present in schools, underscoring the necessity of having officers on campus for both emergency response and relationship building with students. Similarly, the Richmond County School System has confirmed that 34 SROs are on staff, covering every middle and high school in the district, highlighting a proactive approach to school safety.
In light of recent tragic events involving school shootings, community concerns about school safety have surged, leading to heightened discussions about the adequacy of SRO staffing and the overall security of schools. In response, the National Association of School Resource Officers has advocated for a thorough evaluation of campus needs based on size, climate, and existing safety personnel when determining the assignment of SROs.
Parents play a crucial role in this conversation about school safety. They are encouraged to maintain open lines of communication with their children regarding their school environment and to actively engage in school life. In doing so, parents can contribute to the overall safety and security of the school community.
As the school year draws near, the commitment to enhancing school safety through the presence of full-time SROs is clearer than ever, ensuring that proactive measures are in place to protect students and staff alike.
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Additional Resources
- Dark Horse Press Now
- Wikipedia: School Resource Officer
- WJBF News
- Google Search: school safety initiatives
- WRDW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- WACH News
- Google News: school resource officer training
- Washington Post
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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