I’m not entirely sure the events that transpired at Oak View. Yesterday when I left work, I received an email that seem to be a follow up from prior communication. I don’t have kids in that school, so I’m not entirely sure what exactly happened. With the limited information that I did have these are the action steps, I took.
Communication around the events that transpired is some thing that greatly concerns me.
Last night, I spent two hours speaking with a DCG parent and police officer in order to learn more about the role of an SRO in schools. I learned about this organization that looks like a good first step in learning about the trainings and qualifications of an SRO. I also think a sit down meeting with both the Polk and Dallas County Sheriffs' Offices would be another important step.
Additionally, I'd like to hear from parents that have concerns about having an SRO so that I can better understand those concerns. Listening and talking with community members will help to build trust and a better, more informed understanding on this issue.
Communication around the events that transpired is some thing that greatly concerns me. By not getting ahead of this issue, parents were left to receive information from their students. Trust is something that is easily eroded and hard to restore. I don’t have all the answers but I’m willing to sit down, talk with people and learn.