South Carolina tackles school safety with new SLED agency and phone policy feedback

The Family and Veterans' Services Committee's Veterans Affairs Subcommittee convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding school safety and the implementation of a new cell phone policy in South Carolina schools. The meeting, held at 10:15 AM, featured various stakeholders addressing the effectiveness of recent initiatives aimed at improving educational environments.

The session began with a focus on the role of School Resource Officers (SROs). A committee member highlighted the establishment of a new office for school safety within the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), emphasizing the importance of SROs who possess unique skills in law enforcement, education, and community engagement. The member noted the dedication of long-serving officers, illustrating their commitment to fostering safe school environments. Discussions included efforts to broaden the qualifications for SRO positions to attract a more diverse pool of candidates, with funding for these initiatives being a key concern.

The committee then shifted to the topic of a cell phone policy recently implemented in schools. A representative confirmed that the policy, which allows local districts to create their own plans for cell phone use, has received positive feedback from teachers. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the first day of implementation was particularly successful, with reports of reduced classroom distractions and improved discipline. The representative urged the legislature to maintain the policy for a full year to gather comprehensive data before making any adjustments.

Further discussions addressed the balance between allowing parental communication and maintaining classroom focus. The committee acknowledged that while some parents expressed concerns about their ability to contact students, most districts have developed strategies to ensure phones are accessible during emergencies without compromising educational integrity.

The meeting concluded with a broader inquiry into the challenges faced by school boards across the state. A committee member raised concerns about the effectiveness of local school boards and their impact on education, prompting discussions about potential alternatives to address these issues.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to enhancing school safety and educational quality through collaborative efforts and data-driven policies. The next steps include monitoring the implementation of the cell phone policy and continuing to evaluate the role of SROs in schools.