During a recent meeting of the Senate Education Committee, discussions highlighted the urgent need for increased school safety measures in South Carolina, particularly in Greenville County. Currently, 37 schools in the area lack dedicated school resource officers (SROs), prompting the district to rely on private security firms to fill the gap.

The committee reviewed a bill aimed at enhancing security within schools by establishing a dedicated in-house security division. This initiative seeks to provide additional training through partnerships with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Greenville County Sheriff's Office. The goal is to supplement existing SROs rather than replace them, ensuring that schools have the necessary support to maintain a safe environment for students.

Support for the bill is strong, with both SLED and the Greenville County Sheriff's Office backing the initiative. The bill previously passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate, reflecting a growing commitment to addressing safety concerns in schools across the state.

As the committee continues to evaluate this legislation, the focus remains on ensuring that all students have access to a secure learning environment, a priority that resonates deeply with parents and educators alike. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to strengthen the bill's impact on school safety statewide.