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Every child deserves a safe and secure learning environment, free from any fear or threat. It is an absolute necessity that we prioritize and invest in school safety measures. The protection of our children should never be up for debate.

A dispute is ongoing on whether the Nashville-Metro Council should accept $3 million from the state to fund school resource officers. The issue is infuriating from a commonsense standpoint. Council member Courtney Johnston argues that since having SROs is a done deal, it makes sense to accept the money. Ms. Johnston is correct. And our schools must be safe zones for students and teachers.

Safety is a fundamental aspect of creating an environment that is conducive to learning. Ensuring the safety of individuals should always be a top priority. Early identification of safety concerns is crucial. Regular risk assessments, safety audits, and stakeholder involvement can help. Proactive measures can prevent issues from escalating.

Clear response protocols are vital for safety. This includes reacting to emergencies, regular training, and comprehensive safety plans with clear procedures and communication channels. Consider unique needs, provide support for vulnerable individuals and special needs students, and ensure safety plans are inclusive.

Schools are targeted by those who wish to cause significant harm. Unfortunately, premeditated attacks and school shootings are typically over within minutes, leaving law enforcement with limited time to respond. As a result, many lives are lost needlessly. Intruders who wish to harm students and teachers are often familiar with the school’s defense system and plan accordingly.

Maintaining safe physical infrastructure in the learning environment involves regular maintenance, prompt addressing of issues, and increased safety measures. Security measures like access control systems, surveillance cameras, ballistic glass, and school resource officers are essential to prevent unauthorized access and protect against threats.

SROs have 3 major roles: Safety Expert and Law Enforcer, Problem Solver, and Liaison to Community Resources and Educators. The primary role should focus on law enforcement and safety. SROs maintain order, promote safety, and respond to critical incidents. They are not school administrators or emergency instructors. It’s important to define SRO programs and measure their effectiveness. School and District Leaders should defer to law enforcement professionals. These armed professionals serve as the last line of defense for our kids in case of emergency.

Educating students and staff on safety procedures and best practices is vital, which includes emergency response training for students and regular safety training for all staff members. Involving the local community and parents in safety initiatives can enhance overall safety and inform parents about measures in place.

Tennessee schools already have a zero-tolerance policy for mass threats, resulting in a one-year suspension for offending students. Senator Ferrell Haile has proposed new legislation that threatening mass violence on a school or government building be a Class D felony, punishable by up to 12 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Safety measures must be regularly reviewed and improved. This includes analyzing incident reports, safety drills, and stakeholder feedback. Effective crisis communication informs all stakeholders during emergencies. It involves notification systems and designated spokespersons.

Proactively addressing safety concerns can improve the learning environment and promote effective teaching and learning. Safety should always be a foundational consideration in education. Any viable option that can lead to a safer environment in our schools and communities should be on the table. There is simply no room for debate on this matter. 

JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville.