Garfield High School community urges Seattle Board to reinstate school resource officers

In a recent meeting of the Select Committee on the Families, Education, Preschool & Promise (FEPP) Levy, discussions centered around the contentious issue of school resource officers (SROs) at Garfield High School. Principal Terrence Hart highlighted a strong desire among students, staff, and families for the return of police officers to campus, emphasizing the need for a pilot program tailored to the specific needs of Garfield students. Hart clarified that the program would not involve arrests on school grounds, aiming instead to foster a safe environment.

However, the proposed Amendment 1 to the city's education levy introduces conditions on safety investments that could hinder Garfield's ability to implement the desired SRO program. This concern is particularly pressing given that six out of seven reported shooting incidents at the school occurred after the moratorium on SROs was enacted. Stakeholders urged the committee to reconsider or amend this proposal to ensure that Garfield can access the necessary resources to enhance safety.

Sarah Bremer, vice president of the Garfield High School PTSA, echoed these sentiments, stating that the PTSA unanimously supports the reinstatement of a school engagement officer. The PTSA's resolution calls for a carefully designed pilot program to begin in February, reflecting broad community support for this initiative. Bremer emphasized the importance of funding from the committee to facilitate this project.

Conversely, community member Suresh Sean McGum expressed a different perspective, advocating for amendments aimed at protecting students from gun violence. He pointed out that the presence of armed police in schools does not necessarily equate to increased safety and highlighted the underlying issues of poverty that contribute to violence in the area.

The discussions at the meeting underscore a significant divide in the community regarding the role of police in schools. As the committee moves forward, the implications of these decisions will be closely watched, particularly in light of the ongoing concerns about student safety and the effectiveness of proposed safety measures. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the future of school safety protocols in Seattle, particularly at Garfield High School.