The South Seneca School District wants to add a second School Resource Officer this fall.
School safety was the main topic of Wednesday’s School Board meeting and a community meeting with Superintendent Stephen Parker Zielenski the following day. About 25-30 people attended each meeting, some expressing concerns about a May 17th incident at the Middle School.
One parent noted that the two school buildings, which are eight miles apart, share a single resource officer. Genevieve Hardwick of Lodi also said there should have been an increased police presence in the schools after the Uvalde, Texas school shooting, according to Finger Lakes Times.
Related: South Seneca parents want deputy deployed to both schools following Texas shooting, incident at middle school
School officials brief parents on security plans
Zielenski briefed those in attendance about what steps school officials are taking to ensure student safety and what plans are in the works, including increased door security, more cameras, restrictions on carrying backpacks, and a second resource officer.
He said the district has already had conversations with Seneca County Sheriff Tim Luce about adding a second SRO. The district currently pays $40,000 per year for SRO John McNabb, who has served in that position for two years. Zielenski says a second SRO would have to be approved by County Supervisors. He says if that approval doesn’t come, the district would consider working with State Police, the Interlaken Police Department, or a private security firm.
The district is also considering increasing bag checks of people entering the building.
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