Kennewick board hears update: school safety officer program now fully staffed after active-shooter training

The Kennewick School District told the school board on Thursday that it now has a dedicated school safety officer assigned to each elementary school and that the district recently participated in an active-shooter training with Kennewick Police Department.

Board member (first name only) reported she attended an active-shooter training last week and described it as “sobering” but useful. She said nearly all assigned school safety officers attended the session; several attendees were experienced law‑enforcement officers with decades of service. The board member said the program has grown from its inception about three years ago to a fully staffed model this year.

Board members praised the partnership between the district and local police. The district emphasized the training included building schematics and procedural coordination. No new formal action or policy was adopted during the discussion; the presentation was informational and intended to reassure the board about staffing levels and preparedness.

Board members said they will continue to monitor drills, staffing and any future training outcomes during regular reporting.