Mind Uncharted Explore. Discover. Learn.
Denver Public Schools Board Re-Introduces School Resource Officers
The Denver Public Schools Board of Education has unanimously voted to approve the re-introduction of school resource officers back into schools district-wide through the end of the school year. The decision was made in an executive session on Thursday afternoon, after several hours of discussions. The board also directed Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero to create a safety plan for the district.
Board President Xochitl Gaytan expressed a sense of urgency in making the decision, following Wednesday’s shooting at East High School where two school administrators were wounded by a student who later died by suicide. She also referred to the death of 16-year old student Luis Garcia who died outside of the school on February 13. Gaytan noted that failing to aid students in crisis weighed heavily on the board and its decision.
School Board Vice President Auon’tai Anderson, during the open session of the same meeting, directed Superintendent Alex Marrero to work with Mayor Michael Hancock and other elected officials to offer and externally fund up to two armed police officers and two additional mental health professionals social workers, school psychologist, psychotherapist, therapist, and all high schools for the rest of the 2023 school year.
Students Support Re-Introduction of SROs
Easts High School students met at the Colorado State Capitol to support gun violence bills and confront lawmakers after the board’s decision. Clara Taub, co-president of Students Demand Action, said she was sensitive to the arguments that led to the removal of the School Resource Officer (SRO) but believed they belonged back in schools.
“It’s hard to work around, especially because it… it sounds like you’re fighting violence with violence, but really what we’re doing is we’re fighting violence with some sort of order,” said Taub.
DPS Cancels Classes District-wide
DPS has canceled classes district-wide on Friday, March 24, ahead of a week-long Spring Break closure. The district hopes to support families, students, and staff who need a mental health day. During this time, the district will organize and re-evaluate how to move forward with the changes.
Safety and Security Concerns
During a press conference, Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero was asked about the district’s decision to allow the student, Austin Lyle, to attend East High School if he needed to be put through a safety and security check every day. Marrero shared that the district was not aware of Lyle’s past but that the administrators at East High School knew and had been working with him. He added that an armed school resource officer would never pat down or search a student without probable cause but that it is normal for an administrator or teacher, who has permission from a student or parent, to perform that kind of search.
Board Plans to Visit All Communities Across the District
Board President Xochitl Gaytan said that the board will visit all communities across the district to get feedback from students and families as they move forward to determine the best policies for the district.
The student, Austin Lyle, who was involved in Wednesday’s shooting at East High School and was at large, was found dead by suicide early that morning near Bailey, Colo., by the Park County Coroner.
