To the Board of Education and Administration of the Lakeland Central School District,

We, the undersigned members of the Lakeland Central School District community, write to express our strong opposition to any proposal to eliminate the School Resource Officer (SRO) program within our schools.

The safety and well-being of our children must remain the district’s highest priority. SROs are not simply a security presence. They are highly trained law enforcement professionals who build meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families. They serve as mentors, educators, and first responders, providing a level of protection and expertise that cannot be replaced by security guards alone.

We recognize that the recent increase in costs from Westchester County presents a significant financial challenge. While we do not support or agree with the magnitude of this increase, we firmly believe that the presence of on-duty police officers in our schools is essential and non-negotiable when it comes to ensuring student safety. While an approximate $300,000 increase is substantial, it is insignificant in comparison to the potential consequences of a situation where a child is harmed and an SRO is not present to take immediate, trained action.

We urge the district to explore all possible alternatives, including budget adjustments, partnerships, advocacy with county officials, or other funding solutions, before considering the elimination of this critical program. The safety of our children should not be compromised due to budgetary constraints.

Additionally, we expect a higher standard of transparency and communication from district leadership. Major decisions that directly impact student safety and the structure of our schools must be communicated clearly, proactively, and responsibly. The recent flow of unclear information and perceived leaks has created confusion and eroded trust within the community. As taxpayers, educators, and stakeholders, we deserve to be informed through official, transparent channels, not through speculation or incomplete information.

We also ask that the district create opportunities for meaningful community input regarding budget priorities. Parents and taxpayers would greatly appreciate the ability to participate in open forums during Board of Education meetings where budget line items can be discussed and prioritized collaboratively. Programs as critical to the parent community as the SRO program should not appear to be deprioritized without clear dialogue and community involvement.

We respectfully but firmly call on the Lakeland Central School District to:

• Maintain and preserve the SRO program in all district schools
• Advocate aggressively for reasonable and sustainable cost solutions with Westchester County
• Provide opportunities for community input on budget prioritization in open BOE forums
• Commit to transparent, timely, and accountable communication regarding any future major decisions 

Our children’s safety is not an area where compromises should be made. We stand united in our expectation that the district will act in the best interest of its students and community.

Sincerely,

The undersigned members of the Lakeland Central School District community