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Fillmore Unified outlines safety plan: cameras installed, SRO funding split and suspension declines
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Roger Adams reported completion of a $793,000 security camera upgrade (Measure G), described SRO funding arrangements with Ventura County, and highlighted declines in suspensions and expulsions while citing areas of growth in student peer relations based on the midyear California Healthy Kids Survey.
Assistant Superintendent Roger Adams presented a comprehensive safety and school‑culture update that reviewed annual updates to the district’s comprehensive school safety plans, district safety meetings, student‑support staffing, school‑resource officer (SRO) arrangements, and the midyear California Healthy Kids Survey findings.
Adams said each school site has approved a safety plan through site councils and staff will bring the plans to the board for final approval at the March 17 meeting. Adams highlighted completed installations of a districtwide security camera upgrade funded by Measure G at a cost of $793,000; he said the system provides high‑resolution incident review and does not record audio. The board was told cameras are positioned strategically and comply with board policy and applicable state and federal laws.
On SROs, Adams said the district coordinates with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department: Fillmore High and Sierra High SROs are funded 50% by the sheriff’s department and 50% from the district’s LCAP; the Fillmore Middle School deputy is fully funded through LCAP. Adams thanked CSEA and local partners for collaboration on safety implementation.
Adams also reviewed student‑support staffing: elementary and Sierra High each have one full‑time counselor; the middle and high school staffing levels include fractional allocations (e.g., 3.5 counselors at middle school, 4.5 at Fillmore High) plus licensed social workers, BCBAs and registered behavior technicians. He credited restorative practices, counseling and community‑school efforts with contributing to a decline in suspensions over the last five years. The district reported two expulsions so far this school year compared with higher counts in prior years.
Adams summarized midyear California Healthy Kids Survey participation and results: 644 students in grades 5, 7/8 and 11 completed the midyear instrument. Sites identified strengths such as supportive staff and a sense of safety, and areas for growth including bullying prevention, peer respect and increasing student voice. Adams said sites will implement actions such as strengthening yard supervision, anonymous bullying reporting, and SEL lessons. The district plans to roll out an Emergency Operations Plan implementation in fall 2026 and to participate in the statewide Great ShakeOut drills as part of that effort.
Trustees commended the thorough report and asked about family communications and bilingual outreach; staff said presentations and bilingual clips are archived on the district website and shared via ParentSquare. Trustee comments also encouraged continued work with community partners and noted upcoming parent trainings and wellness presentations.
What happens next: Safety plans will be presented for final approval at a future board meeting; staff will continue community outreach and step up drills and EOP refinements ahead of fall implementation.
