Safe Schools, Stronger Futures: My Plan for School Security

  A safe and secure school environment is the foundation for academic success, positive mental health, and a thriving educational community. I believes that every child deserves to learn in a space free from violence, fear, and distractions. That’s why I am committed to ensuring that every school in the district has either a security officer or a well-trained School Resource Officer (SRO), and that these officers receive specialized training to support—not criminalize—our students.

The Link Between Security and Academic Success

Studies have consistently shown that when students feel safe, they perform better academically. A sense of security fosters an environment where students can focus on their studies, participate in classroom discussions, and engage with their peers without fear. Teachers and staff also benefit from a secure atmosphere, as they can dedicate their time and energy to educating students rather than managing safety concerns.

In schools where violence, bullying, or external threats are prevalent, students often experience chronic stress, which negatively impacts their ability to concentrate, retain information, and develop healthy social relationships. Ensuring that every school has an assigned security officer or SRO is a proactive step toward eliminating these barriers to learning.

Reforming the Role of School Resource Officers

While School Resource Officers play a crucial role in school security, their approach must be adapted to the unique needs of an educational environment. I will advocate for enhanced training programs that equip SROs with the skills to function as mentors and educators rather than enforcers of criminal justice within the school system. This is particularly crucial in a district where the overwhelming majority of students are minorities, who are often disproportionately affected by punitive disciplinary measures.

Too often, disciplinary actions taken by untrained SROs escalate minor infractions into criminal records, setting students on a trajectory that can hinder their future success. Instead of treating students as potential offenders, SROs should be trained in de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed approaches that help students navigate challenges while staying on track academically.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

In a district where the student population is predominantly composed of minority students, ensuring fair, supportive, and equitable security measures is not just a policy goal—it’s a necessity. National data has shown that minority students, particularly Black and Latino children, are more likely to face harsher disciplinary actions than their white peers for the same infractions. The Ferguson-Florissant School District must take a stand against this systemic issue by ensuring that school safety measures protect students without perpetuating the school-to-prison pipeline.

By prioritizing security officers and properly trained SROs in every school, we can create a safer, more supportive environment where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Our educators, staff, and families deserve a district that prioritizes not only security but also fairness and equity in the way that security is implemented.

My Commitment to Ferguson-Florissant

As a member of the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education, I will advocate for policies that strengthen school security while fostering a nurturing academic environment. I believe in:

• Assigning a security officer or trained SRO to every school in the district.
• Implementing mandatory training for SROs focused on conflict resolution, trauma-informed care, and mentorship.
• Ensuring that security policies are designed to protect students rather than criminalize them.
• Advocating for community partnerships that bring in resources to support at-risk students rather than pushing them toward law enforcement interventions.

Safe schools create a ripple effect—students perform better, teachers are more effective, and the entire community benefits. A vote for me is a vote for a safer, fairer, and stronger Ferguson-Florissant School District.