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Orange City SD board hears school safety update as SRO staffing increases
Summary
Chief Carl Dietz and school resource officers told the Orange City School District board that SRO coverage will expand with two new officers, detailed safety programming for students and advised parents not to come to campus in an active crisis; the board heard related Q&A on parking and student driving.
Chief Carl Dietz and the district's school resource officers told the Orange City School District board on Aug. 11 that SRO coverage will expand ahead of the school year and that police–school partnerships remain a priority.
"In terms of newness, we have two new officers this year so our total will be up to 20 for extra coverage," Chief Dietz said, and he credited the district's communication with school staff for strengthening the partnership.
Superintendent Dr. Campbell introduced officers Todd Bennett and Scott Bennett, both of whom described their training, routines and outreach work. Officer Todd Bennett said SROs will continue relationship-building and training programs, and he emphasized a single safety instruction to families: "If there ever is a crisis on campus, do not come to the campus." Bennett said parental arrivals can complicate on-site responses and that the district and police will communicate reunification plans.
Officers also described student-facing safety programs the district plans to use this year, including an elementary curriculum the state is piloting called "Buckle Up with Brutus," which staff said targets second- and third-grade booster-seat and seat-belt training. Staff also said the district is pursuing available funds tied to that program for safety equipment such as high-visibility vests.
Board members asked about student driving and parking-lot conduct. An attendee asked whether the district communicates expectations about driving behavior in the student lot and on Chagrin Boulevard; officers said administrators make repeated announcements and that Pepper Pike and Moreland Hills police typically provide visible enforcement at each side of Chagrin Boulevard at key times.
The board did not vote on policy changes related to SROs; the discussion focused on operational readiness, staffing, training and communication to parents.
The next procedural step is routine: the district will continue SRO scheduling and training and update the board or the finance committee if additional funding for equipment is secured.
