The heartbreaking incident at Perry earlier this year was not just a news headline, but a horrifying reality that struck close to home. This personal undoing has raised alarm bells about the mounting need to secure our schools against violence, further strengthening our stand for children's safety.

Currently, our school district lacks a designated school resource officer, a pivotal role designed specifically to foster safer and healthier learning environments. These officers provide education, counseling and guidance on law-related issues and serve as a significant deterrent to bullying, drug use, and even severe violent events. 

Statistics from the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) reveal a noticeable decline in school crimes following the presence of these officers in educational premises. A detailed study on the effectiveness of school resource officers indicated that schools with assigned SROs experienced 50% fewer incidents of serious offenses (The Journal of Criminal Justice).

Our children's safety should be a priority. In light of the devastating event at Perry earlier this year, this is a plea for implementing immediate actions for better security protocols in our schools. Such steps can include the hiring of a trained school resource officer to ensure our children are protected and their learning isn't compromised by fear or violence.

Join our effort to create a safer community for our school children. Sign this petition and advocate for the hiring of a school resource officer in our school district. Let's protect our children better, together.