FAYETTEVILLE-MANLIUS -- School safety and security will be the focus of a new task force of students, parents and teachers in the Fayetteville-Manlius school district.
One of the areas the panel will explore is the suggestion that the district add a school resource officer. Other districts in the region, including Syracuse, use them.
"We have been making great strides in building a safe and caring school community for our students and staff, and it is important for our community to be able to voice opinions regarding the enhancement of safety and security measures in our schools," said Dr. Corliss Kaiser, F-M superintendent. "There are a number of options for us to consider."
Over the last few years, the district has installed cameras at each school building, and all school building doors are locked so school leaders can screen who enters the building.
At the high school, seven supervision aides are on duty to monitor student behavior. Teachers are also stationed in the hallways during class.
Students and teachers will also now be required to undergo sensitivity training. It stems from the Dignity for All Students Act, a new state regulation that goes into effect next July. It's intended to ensure students in public schools are about to learn in an environment without discrimination or harassment.
The task force will be comprised of students, parents, teachers, administrators, Board of Education members and municipal representatives. They will meet three to four times during November and early December and make a recommendation to the Board at its meeting on December 12.
According to F-M officials, about 40 percent of OCM BOCES school district use school resource officers. Of those, five districts have a population similar to or more than the number of students at FM>
School leaders recently met with Manlius Police to get their take on school resource officers. Police say hiring one would allow students to develop a relationship with the school resource officer and may prevent ongoing issues with drugs, alcohol and bullying.
"There is not clear support from the community on the issue of hiring a school resource officer," Dr. Kaiser said. "Some parents are opposed to the idea of a police officer carrying a gun in our schools. They are more comfortable with our present system of calling the town of Manlius police when a student requires intervention due to issues such as drugs, alcohol, or fighting."
If you live in the F-M district, you may be getting an electronic survey to get your take on the school resource officer issue, so look for that in your inbox.
Do you think the district should hire a school resource officer? Why or why not? Would it make schools safer? Are you concerned about officers having guns in school? Leave your thoughts below.
