Submitted
Currently, at Carmel Clay Schools, there are three Student Resource Officers (SROs) that are shared between 14 elementary and middle schools for over 11,000 students. In the high school, there are four for over 5,000 students.
Some in the community are leery that the low number of SROs in schools are enough to keep students safe. SROs can play a critical role in imminent danger situations. Studies have shown that the outcomes of school shootings, other crimes and mental health cases can dramatically differ when an SRO is present.
The role of an SRO goes beyond ‘patrolling’ the school. According to the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), SROs contribute to a safe learning environment, foster positive relationships, and develop strategies to resolve problems affecting youth. SROs protect all students, so they can reach their fullest potential.
After a 2018 shooting in a Noblesville school just seven miles away from Carmel Clay Schools, the Carmel Safety for Our Students PAC decided to take steps to ensure Carmel is doing everything possible to create a safe environment.
“Three School Resource Officers for 14 schools is an unacceptable ratio. Carmel Schools can and must do better to keep our children safe at school,” said Nicki McNally, Carmel SOS Co-Chair.
In the 2019 legislation session, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Bill 127, which allows school corporations to seek property tax referendums for school safety initiatives. This is a new type of referendum and will be the first time it appears on the ballot in November. If the Carmel Clay Schools Safety Referendum passes, at least one SRO will be placed in every school – hiring an additional 11 to 13 SROs.
Beyond adding additional SROs in every school, funds raised from the referendum will go toward two other safety related initiatives: Increased mental health services and professional development. The referendum will not exceed $0.05 per $100 dollars of assessed value for property taxes.
To learn more about the Safety for Our Schools Referendum, visit carmelsos.org.