New Hanover County Board of Education Requests
24 Sheriff's Deputies for Elementary Schools

The New Hanover County Board of Education voted unanimously last night to request an additional 24 School Resource Officers (SROs) for New Hanover County Schools’ elementary schools. Currently, there are SROs in every New Hanover County middle and high school. At the elementary level, two deputies patrol the schools. The decision to make the request for additional officers came after a recommendation from Sheriff Ed McMahon, who attended the Work Session, along with Deputy Chief Marshall Williamson of the Wilmington Police Department. The Board heard remarks from the law enforcement officials, along with a safety presentation from District Safety Officer Dave Spencer and Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Dr. Rick Holliday.

Bill Hance, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, also spoke to the Board about areas of concern regarding safety. He stressed the need for all district personnel to receive increased emergency management and NIMS* training consistently during the summer breaks. The district already provides emergency management training; however, challenges to increase training include costs and scheduling. Administration will develop a revised emergency training plan for employees and submit it to the Board for approval at an upcoming meeting.

After the Board voted to approve the request for more SROs, Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley stated that the letter of request would be prepared this morning to be sent to the County Commissioners. Click here to read the letter of request.

Last night's special Work Session came about as a result of the Board responding to the requests of numerous parents who wanted more information about the district's plans for safety and security in light of the Newtown, Connecticut incident. Many parents have expressed a desire to support the district in these efforts and have stated their willingness to volunteer their time. Dr. Markley stated that additional parental involvement is always welcome in NHCS. He cited the parent group, Watch D.O.G.S.(Dads of Great Students), as an excellent example of ways parents can support the schools.

*National Incident Management System of FEMA.

Posted: 12/20/2012