The McComb School Board meeting on January 13, 2025, focused on the pressing issue of school safety and the role of law enforcement within the district. Board members discussed the need to balance discipline with restorative justice for students, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment for those involved in disciplinary actions.

One board member highlighted the necessity of differentiating between disciplinary measures and criminal behavior, advocating for opportunities that allow students to be restored to justice rather than facing expulsion. This perspective was shared by others who expressed concern that removing students from school could lead to increased criminal activity.

The discussion also turned to the presence of school resource officers (SROs) in the district. A board member raised concerns about an uptick in incidents at Bob School, noting that despite an increase in the number of officers over the past few years, there has been a corresponding rise in disturbances. The member pointed out that videos from incidents showed a lack of SRO presence, questioning the effectiveness of the current approach to school safety.

The board member suggested a reevaluation of the SRO program, proposing that the district either revamp the existing system or consider alternative solutions to ensure student safety. The sentiment was clear: if the current measures are not working, it is crucial to implement changes that will better protect students and create a safer school environment.

As the meeting concluded, the board recognized the need for further discussions on how to improve safety protocols and the role of law enforcement in schools, indicating that this topic will remain a priority in future meetings.