I spoke directly with Sergeant Burris from the Newark Police Department, and he confirmed that Newark City Schools does not pay $200,000 a year for the two officers they currently have — which means the information we’ve been given about costs was misleading. He also explained that if a civilian volunteer program were created, it would be coordinated by Newark City Schools in partnership with the Ohio Academy of Jiu-Jitsu, who have generously offered to provide the training free of charge. I shared this solution with the superintendent five days ago, but I have still not received a response. Our children’s safety should come before budget excuses and silence.