During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the importance of school safety and budget management, particularly in light of recent incidents at Westport High School. Vice Chair Conrad expressed gratitude for the community's support, highlighting the role of referendum dollars in funding essential services, including the hiring of school resource officers (SROs).
Student board member Diaz reported a troubling incident at Westport High, where a fight escalated to the point of injuring an administrator. He emphasized the need for additional security personnel, noting that the current number of SROs is insufficient for the school's large student body, which includes approximately 700 students per grade level. Diaz argued that enhancing security measures is crucial for student safety, especially given the current societal climate.
The board unanimously approved a motion to amend the school resource officer agreement with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, reflecting a commitment to bolstering security in schools. The meeting concluded with a call for further agreements, indicating ongoing efforts to address safety and resource allocation in the educational environment.