Arlington Heights Police Chief Nick Pecora has proposed the addition of two full-time officers to work at the two middle schools in Arlington Heights Elementary District 25, where a pair of officers already split their time among the district's nine schools. The officers also make the rounds at 10 other schools both public and private within the village boundaries.
While Johnson's pitch is focused on school safety, Pecora's approach is increasing positive interactions with youth. The chief said it's something that's been lost since three officers assigned to the D.A.R.E. and Too Good for Drugs programs were laid off during the recession. Since May, when the suggestion of adding officers first was made, Superintendent Lori Bein and school board members say they've fielded a number of strong opinions. Some argue cops in schools can have a negative impact on marginalized students, while others want armed and trained officers on campus in case of a school shooting.
Bein and Pecora are drawing up a detailed school resource officer job description, contract and memorandum of understanding for the board's consideration as soon as Aug. 15. What's envisioned, the superintendent said, is for officers to teach additional safety classes to students, be available to school staff who provide mental health interventions, present parent education programs, and help direct traffic in mornings and afternoons.
Education Education Latest News, Education Education Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: PennLive - 🏆 463. / 53 Read more »