San Marcos High School has lost its funding for its School Resource Officer (SRO). The County has funded this position for the past 20 years, but as a result of recent budget cuts, eliminated the position last fall. The lack of a full-time safety officer at San Marcos High School has potentially very dangerous repercussions for the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

The timing could not be worse for the elimination of this position as unimaginable violence is taking place in our schools across the country.

Fact: San Marcos High School is the only public high school in Santa Barbara that does not have a SRO on campus.

-The SRO for Dos Pueblos High School is funded by the City of Goleta.

-The SRO for Santa Barbara High School is funded by the City of Santa Barbara. 

If this position is critical and highly valued by those political entities and schools, clearly it is as important for the San Marcos community of students and staff.

The possible unacceptable outcomes resulting from this position being left vacant, would be unforgivable, preventable and are inexcusable. The glaring omission of this position, at this one public high school, when all the others are funded, highlights the negligence of the decision to defund it. Immediate action must be taken to refund the School Resource Officer position at San Marcos High School for the safety of all.