As the new school year approaches, school districts across the nation are implementing safety enhancements to protect students and staff. From increasing the presence of law enforcement to updating security infrastructure, these measures aim to address safety concerns in educational environments.
Shelby County, Alabama Focuses on Comprehensive Safety Protocols
The Shelby County School System, in collaboration with local law enforcement and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), is rolling out expanded safety measures, reports ABC3340. During a recent district safety meeting, law enforcement officials and school administrators aligned on protocols aimed at bolstering security.
Calera Police Chief David Hyche underscored the importance of maintaining unpredictability regarding law enforcement presence in schools.
“I want people to know that if they intend harm in any of our schools, they do not know if they will be facing 2 SROs or 12 police officers, because, at any day multiple officers can visit any of our four campuses,” Hyche said.
Key advancements include:
- Increase in School Resource Officers (SROs): The district now deploys eight full-time SROs, up from just two part-time officers five years ago.
- Routine School Visits: Day-shift officers, administrative personnel, and investigators are required to visit schools regularly.
- Enhanced Training: SROs will participate in active shooter training before classes resume on August 7.
Arizona Allocates Funds for School Safety Amid Federal Funding Freeze
Arizona’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, has pledged to cover expenses for armed officers on school campuses, reports the Arizona Capitol Times. This decision comes as the U.S. Department of Education froze $124 million in federal grant funding, including $25 million from the Title IV Student Support and Academic Enrichment program.
Related Article: Are Campus Public Safety Wages Keeping Up with Inflation? Take Our Survey
Key impacts of the funding freeze:
- School Resource Officers (SROs): Approximately eight SRO roles funded through Title IV now require $70,000 in state safety budget allocations.
- School Safety Grant Program: Valued at $80 million, the program supports 818 schools across 14 counties and prioritizes hiring officers before funding counselors or social workers.
- New Legislation: House Bill 2074 expands the scope of safety grantees, allowing funds for hiring off-duty and retired law enforcement officers, safety tools, and infrastructure upgrades.
The state has made strides in increasing the number of counselors and social workers, which rose from 565 to 630 between 2023 and 2025.
However, with future funding uncertainties, state legislators and the Department of Public Instruction will revisit program sustainability during the next session.
New Jersey District Upgrades School Security Infrastructure
The Springfield Board of Education in New Jersey has approved a contract with Oak Security Group LLC for re-keying upgrades at multiple schools. The $124,845 project, funded through a bond referendum, will include work at James Caldwell, Edward V. Walton, Thelma Sandmeier, and Florence M. Gaudineer schools, reports Tap Into Springfield.
These upgrades are part of an ongoing effort to modernize security measures district-wide. In addition to re-keying, the district has also installed security cameras and upgraded intercom systems at all schools.
Chicago Faces Crossing Guard Reductions
Some districts, however, are being forced to make difficult choices involving school safety. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will see fewer crossing guards as the city faces a $734 million budget shortfall, reports Fox32Chicago. Alderman Matt O’Shea expressed concern over the removal of 33 crossing guards citywide, including 11 in his ward.
Related Article: Cities, Counties Increasingly Install Speed Cameras in School Zones
“The safety of our children should never be compromised for the sake of budget savings,” O’Shea stated, calling for intervention from the City Council and Mayor Brandon Johnson.
These cuts have prompted heightened concerns among local leaders, who warn of increased risks for students traveling to and from school this fall.
