While all middle and high schools in Orange County already utilize armed student resource officers, a newly enacted policy making the position permanent in elementary schools is the right move.
Ever since the shooting at Sandy Hook drove parents and school administrators to re-examine the way elementary schools are secured, Orange County elementary schools have seen armed police officers become a permanent fixture.
The school system administrators should be commended for having the foresight to put parents’ worries at ease, and should continue working toward improving school safety.
Each of the seven Orange County elementary schools will now have more protection in the form of one armed officer at each school to serve a role in safety and education of the students.
By only adding seven salaried positions, the financial strain will not prove too hefty nor will officers be so numerous as to distract from the ultimate purpose of the school — learning.
Despite the fact that these officers represent yet another salary to be paid during a time of massive budget cuts in education across the state, many parents have expressed their gratitude for the peace of mind the officers bring.
Parents need to believe that their children will be taken care of in all aspects of a school environment — academically and socially with safety in mind at all times.
Orange County has chosen specific measures that might be considered superfluous by some, but as long as the faculty, parents and students directly affected feel more confident and secure with the officer around, then they are serving their purpose.
