Parent presents 445‑signature petition for a River City High school resource officer, warns against canine searches without prior education

Ruth Pagano Tren, a parent of students at River City High and Southport, called on the board during public comment to install a school resource officer (SRO) at River City High as soon as possible and said she delivered a petition with 445 signatures in one week.

"We need and want a school resource officer on the River City High School campus as soon as possible," Pagano Tren told trustees. She said the petition demonstrates active local support and argued the SRO timeline should be accelerated when student safety is at stake.

Pagano Tren also raised privacy concerns about using narcotics‑detection dogs in classrooms, noting the district’s lack of lockers at River City and warning that canine searches could lead to backpack, vehicle and person searches while students and staff are present. She urged that drug‑prevention education and vaping‑prevention programs be delivered before any canine activity and asked the board to make bathrooms safe for every student.

Trustees acknowledged the public comment and later during board deliberations asked for updates on the SRO process and the district’s conversations with the city and public safety partners. Trustee Hunt and others asked staff to report back on the timeline and alternative options if city cooperation or funding proves delayed.

The board did not take immediate formal action on the petition at the March 13 meeting; trustees requested further information and indicated they will return with updates.