We believe that Marion County may have found the solution to having a police presence inside its schools without the obstacle of a major budget expense.
It’s called “30 on 30.”
The municipalities throughout the county have agreed to participate in the project — at no cost to the board of education — which brings in police officers to the schools for approximately 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon.
And there are no set times once the project launches. Students wouldn’t know to expect an officer to do a walk through at a certain time each day. The presence of officers would be at any given time.
And what does that mean? It means a deterrent to drugs and weapons brought into the school. It is a deterrent for fighting and disrespect of authorities. It is a deterrent to school vandalism and violence.
It is not a perfect solution, but we do not live in a perfect world.
But on a daily basis our children will develop relationships with police officers in their own communities, one built on trust and respect, because the kids are getting face time with officers.
They no longer seem threatening, as peers have led them to believe. They will feel like they can approach the ones who wear uniforms and bear shields when something is wrong. And their presence there would have a calming effect, not just for students but for teachers, administrators and school personnel.
Initially, the BOE believed they would have to offer compensation for these officers to participate in the program.
“Every mayor that I contacted didn’t hesitate,” said Ray Frazier, who handles safety in the school system. “I think it’s important to develop these relationships and develop a familiarity with everybody. It’s been well received, and I think it’s going to be a very positive thing.”
Barrackville Mayor Roy Meeks told the BOE last week that the town’s officers are more than happy to donate their time toward this project.
“Our kids are precious to us, and I was immediately on board,” he said. “I think after all the things that have been going on in this country here lately, an officer in the school is clearly needed.”
Other towns, cities and the Marion County Sheriff’s office are on board, too.
It’s the next best thing to having an officer in the schools full time, though the board is doing what it can to make that happen on the high school level in the future. The county is hoping to get a grant in the future to fund prevention resource officers who would be stationed full time in the county’s three high schools and the Marion County Technical Center.
One step closer to safer schools is a good position to be in. And as long as we keep taking steps forward, everyone will benefit in the end.
Opinion
‘30 on 30’ gives police presence in schools without expense to BOE
- Opinion
-
-
Seizure of AP phone records is an insult to an independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
-
We change — at least a little — after each attack
How well do we remember the world as it was before 9/11?
Do we remember what airline security was like? Life before the Patriot Act? What was the school environment like before school shooting at Columbine and Sandy Hook? -
Record-breaking years for Pierpont, FSU give students strong opportunities
When people make the decision to further their education — whether they’re going to college immediately after high school or heading back to the classroom after several years of being in the workforce — there are plenty of potential obstacles to consider.
-
Sound policy would give coal a chance, not erase challenges
It’s no secret that the region’s coal industry faces challenges from many sides.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration, through a report it began releasing last month, forecast that although total U.S. coal production is expected to rise after 2016, Appalachian coal will not. -
Peace Officers Memorial Day: Honoring those who keep us safe
Today, all U.S. and West Virginia state flags will be lowered to half staff in memory of the officers who died in the line of duty, making this state and this country a safer place to live, for Peace Officers Memorial Day.
-
Each and every day should be Mother’s Day
Anna Jarvis, from our neighboring city of Grafton, began the tradition that on the second Sunday of May, mothers and motherhood would receive a national celebration and recognition.
From those early local beginnings, Mother’s Day has evolved and become one of the most celebrated days of the year. -
Teens need co-pilots to navigate social media
It’s tough to be the parent of a teen.
Heck, it’s tough to be the parent of a preteen. Ten is the new 15 these days. Fifteen is the new 21. Kids grow up so fast, and we have to fight them every step of the way to make sure they’re not growing up too fast. It’s a constant question of whether something is age-appropriate and the constant response of “all of my other friends are doing it.” -
Proposed bill levels playing field for local businesses
The study of economics is vast, complicated and debatable on almost every point.
There are those who are conservative in their estimates when given all factors to calculate into a model. -
Move past baloney and continue quest to ensure students get meals they need
It’s time to move past the baloney ... or bologna ... or lack of same at school lunch.
-
‘Relentless efforts’ made by teachers are appreciated
Each weekday in classrooms across the country, men and women stand in front of young minds that are waiting to be molded, looking to be inspired, craving the lessons that will help shape their futures.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Seizure of AP phone records is an insult to an independent press
