Douglas County directs staff to draft 50%‑match school security plan
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Summary
The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to direct county staff to prepare a proposal to offer a 50% match to the school district for physical school security improvements after recent community concerns following the Evergreen shooting.
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to direct county staff to draft a plan offering a 50% county match for physical school security improvements to present to the local school district.
Commissioner Van Winkle moved to direct staff to prepare “a specific plan to present to the school district with a 50% match for the security needs that could be addressed,” and the motion carried without opposition.
The move stems from commissioners’ long‑running focus on school safety. Commissioner Van Winkle referenced the Evergreen school shooting and said the county has resources available and should take a more proactive approach: “No kid should ever go to school worried for their safety,” he said. Chair Layden and other commissioners highlighted three pillars they consider central to school safety: mental‑health supports, school resource officers and physical security upgrades. The board said the county already partners with the district on mental‑health programs and funds school resource officers (SROs), and that the new step is aimed at physical entry and campus security.
Commissioners cited existing county and community programs in their remarks. Chair Layden noted county support for mental‑health initiatives such as Safe2Tell, the I Matter campaign and 988, and he said Douglas County matches 50% of new SRO positions with school districts. Van Winkle and other commissioners said the county will seek a similar cost‑share arrangement for physical security measures.
The board did not approve a specific budget or projects Tuesday; the approved action only directs staff to draft and return with a concrete plan to present to the school district. The motion did not specify an implementation timeline. Commissioners said the next step is for county staff to prepare a proposal and present it to the Board and the school district for consideration.
Speakers at the meeting included commissioners and staff who discussed the item during commissioner comments and later during the motion. No citizens’ motions or amendments were recorded for this item.