Survey, town halls show mixed views on SROs; district outlines $377,000 plan and next steps

The Washington Unified School District presented results of a recent community and staff survey and town‑hall meetings on April 10 regarding a proposed school resource officer (SRO) program and next steps for enhancing campus safety.

District leaders and police partners said $377,000 is budgeted to implement one SRO position in partnership with the West Sacramento Police Department, but town‑hall participants and public commenters raised concerns about training, equity, disproportionate impacts and alternatives such as campus monitors, restroom monitoring and detector technology.

Dr. Jay Burns, director of special programs and student services, summarized survey results from 483 respondents (389 parents/caregivers, 107 staff, 22 others) and described follow‑up town halls that separated classified staff, certificated staff and parents before offering cross‑site virtual sessions. The top roles respondents selected for an SRO were physical security and emergency procedures; other frequently chosen functions included threat assessment, active‑shooter response and relationship building.

Town‑hall feedback showed a split: some participants supported an SRO presence — especially at high school — as a deterrent and resource; others said an armed officer could harm students of color and those with disabilities and argued the district should instead invest in mental‑health services, restorative practices, campus safety monitors and training for staff. The district said a letter of intent has been submitted to the city and that the city council’s budget planning could factor into any cost‑sharing decisions.

Public commenter Dr. Amber Bradley, who attended recent community outreach, said she has asked multiple times for disaggregated survey results by school site and has not received them; she also told trustees that “in the survey, 81% said they wanted improved physical security — that doesn’t require an SRO.” Bradley and others urged improved emergency procedures and training rather than immediate hiring of an officer.

Student comments collected by the district showed mixed sentiment: some students described SROs as trust‑building and deterrents; others said presence could be intimidating and preferred on‑demand rather than constant SRO coverage.

Ending: District leaders said next steps include sharing disaggregated survey results, convening follow‑up meetings with the city to clarify budget timelines, continuing vulnerability assessments and piloting other safety measures (vape sensors, restroom monitoring, campus monitors and parent education). Trustees requested a timeline for decisions and asked staff to return with additional analysis and any student data collection window so feedback can be broadened.