Evergreen, Colorado – A shooting at Evergreen High School on Wednesday, which critically injured two students before the perpetrator took his own life, has brought renewed scrutiny to the issue of school safety and the availability of School Resource Officers (SROs). Parents and administrators had voiced concerns about these very issues in the days leading up to the tragic event.
Parent Concerns Raised Prior to Shooting
During a Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) meeting on Tuesday evening, parents inquired about the absence of a permanent School Resource officer at Evergreen High. The previous officer had been on medical leave for almost a year. Cindy Mazeika, President of the PTSA, reported that school officials explained Jeffco Public Schools had decided to reduce priority for SROs in mountain schools, opting for a shared officer model.One parent directly questioned the potential response in the event of a shooting on campus.
Sarah Aller, head of the Evergreen Middle School PTA, revealed similar anxieties regarding SRO staffing at the middle school, which prompted staff to purchase walkie-talkies for improved dialog, funded by a $12,000 PTA contribution.
Lack of SRO Presence During Incident
The jefferson county Sheriff’s Office confirmed that an SRO was not present at Evergreen High School when the shooting occurred. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jacki Kelley stated that the school’s full-time deputy was on medical leave, with coverage provided by rotating part-time officers. The officer assigned to the school on Wednesday morning was responding to a separate traffic accident, deemed a routine call and in compliance with departmental procedures.
District Response and funding Challenges
Jeffco Public Schools released a statement affirming its commitment to the SRO program, labeling it “a point of pride.” however, the district did not directly address the parent groups’ concerns, deferring questions about officer assignments to the Sheriff’s Office. According to the district’s contract with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, SROs are to be provided to a dozen schools, including Evergreen High, “as staffing allows.”
The district is currently adjusting to a new financial arrangement for SROs. A budget presentation from April outlined a shift where the district woudl cover 50% of the officer’s cost, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year – an additional $2.2 million in funding that was subsequently allocated.
Prior Warnings and Student Concerns
Madison Mihalik, a senior at Evergreen High, shared an email sent to the district superintendent in September 2024.She reported finding an empty shell casing in a school stairwell and expressed safety concerns following a reported threat the previous day. Both Mazeika and Aller recalled this prior incident. Mihalik also stated that SRO presence had diminished during her high school career, noting a lack of consistent officer coverage.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2024 | Empty shell casing found at Evergreen High; student reports safety concerns. |
| Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | Parents question SRO availability at Evergreen High PTSA meeting. |
| Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | Shooting at Evergreen High School. |
| September 12, 2025 | Parents voice concerns publicly. |
did you Know? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 43% of public schools had a School Resource Officer present at least one day per week during the 2017-18 school year. NCES Fast Facts
The Evolving Role of School Resource Officers
The role of school Resource Officers has been debated extensively in recent years. Proponents argue that they enhance school safety and build positive relationships between law enforcement and students. Critics raise concerns about potential over-policing and disproportionate discipline for students of color. A 2021 study by the Education Week Research Center found that schools with SROs did not experience a significant reduction in serious violent incidents. Education Week The effectiveness of sros frequently enough depends on the specific training they receive and the protocols established for their interactions with students.
Pro Tip: Schools should prioritize comprehensive safety plans that include mental health support, threat assessment teams, and clear communication protocols, in addition to considering the role of SROs.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Resource Officers
- What is a School Resource Officer? A School Resource Officer is a sworn law enforcement officer assigned to a school to provide safety and build relationships with students and staff.
- Are SROs effective in preventing school shootings? Research on the effectiveness of SROs is mixed. Some studies show no significant impact on reducing serious violent incidents.
- What training do SROs receive? SRO training varies, but typically includes de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and juvenile law.
- What are the concerns about having SROs in schools? Concerns include potential over-policing, disproportionate discipline, and the creation of a school-to-prison pipeline.
- How are SRO programs funded? Funding sources vary and can include local school districts, city or county governments, and grants.
- What role do parents play in SRO programs? Parents can advocate for clear SRO policies, participate in school safety committees, and provide feedback on program effectiveness.
What safety measures would make you feel more secure at your local school? Do you think increased funding for mental health resources or a greater SRO presence is the more impactful solution?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
What specific training do SROs receive regarding de-escalation techniques and working with students with disabilities?
parents Express Concerns Over Roles and responsibilities of School Resource Officers
Understanding teh Evolving Role of SROs
School Resource Officers (sros) – sworn law enforcement officers assigned to schools – have become increasingly common in the united States. While initially intended to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and students, and to provide enhanced school safety, their roles have become a source of growing concern for many parents. These concerns center around the potential for increased student arrests, disproportionate discipline for students of color, and the overall impact on the school-to-prison pipeline. Parents are actively seeking clarity on SRO responsibilities, school safety protocols, and student rights.
Key Areas of Parental Concern
Parents’ anxieties regarding SROs generally fall into several key categories:
* Disciplinary Actions: A primary concern is the shift of minor disciplinary issues – things traditionally handled by school administrators – to the criminal justice system. This can result in arrests for behaviors like disruption, defiance, or even simple fights, leading to a criminal record for a young person.
* Racial Disparities: Data consistently shows that students of color are disproportionately arrested and disciplined by SROs compared to their white peers.This raises serious questions about implicit bias and equitable treatment within the school system. Equity in school discipline is a major focus for advocacy groups.
* Lack of Clear Guidelines: Many schools lack clearly defined policies outlining the SRO’s role, responsibilities, and the circumstances under which they should intervene. this ambiguity can lead to inconsistent application of rules and a lack of accountability.
* Impact on School Climate: Some parents worry that the presence of armed officers creates a more punitive and less welcoming school environment, perhaps damaging relationships between students and staff. Positive school climate is often cited as a crucial element of effective education.
* Training and Qualifications: Concerns exist regarding the specific training SROs receive. Is it focused on de-escalation techniques, adolescent development, and trauma-informed care, or primarily on traditional law enforcement procedures?
Defining the Scope: What Should an SRO Do?
The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) advocates for a three-tiered approach to SRO roles:
- Informal Counselor/Mentor: Building relationships with students and serving as a positive role model.
- Formal Educator: Providing safety presentations, teaching law-related education, and collaborating with school staff on safety initiatives.
- Law Enforcement officer: Responding to criminal activity and emergencies.
However, many parents argue that in practice, SROs often prioritize the third role, leading to the issues outlined above. A clear understanding of the SRO role definition is vital.
Real-World Examples & Case Studies
In 2015, a high-profile incident in Spring Valley High School, South Carolina, involved an SRO violently arresting a student for refusing to move from her desk. This sparked national outrage and fueled the debate over SROs and school discipline. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/oct/28/south-carolina-school-police-officer-arrest-student
More recently,investigations in several states have revealed patterns of disproportionate discipline targeting students with disabilities who interact with SROs. These cases highlight the need for specialized training and a focus on restorative justice practices.
Benefits of Well-Implemented SRO Programs
Despite the concerns, well-structured SRO programs can offer benefits:
* Enhanced School Safety: SROs can provide a rapid response to threats and emergencies.
* Crime Prevention: Their presence can deter criminal activity on school grounds.
* Positive Relationships: When properly trained and integrated into the school community, SROs can build trust with students and staff.
* Resource for Investigations: SROs can assist with investigations of crimes that occur on or near school property.
However, these benefits are contingent on careful planning, robust training, and ongoing evaluation.
Practical Tips for Parents
Parents concerned about SROs in their children’s schools can take the following steps:
- Review School Policies: Obtain and carefully review the school’s policies regarding SROs, including their roles, responsibilities, and the circumstances under which they can intervene.
- Attend School Board Meetings: Voice your concerns