Last school year, Peshtigo High School faced a chilling incident when a potentially armed man was reported by a vigilant student during a school-hosted blood drive. This student had the courage and presence of mind to dial 911, alerting authorities with the critical information that likely prevented a tragedy. Though the man was detained and subsequently attacked officers, it was the quick thinking of a young student that steered the situation away from a potential disaster.

This alarming episode highlights the need to bolster safety measures within our schools to make sure such responsibility does not rest on young shoulders. While we commend the students for their bravery and responsiveness, it’s paramount that our educational institutions have dedicated professionals to manage and mitigate these risks actively.

School Resource Officers (SROs) provide a crucial layer of protection and assurance. These officers are not just equipped to handle emergencies, but also trained to engage positively with students, build trust, and serve as mentors. Many local schools such as Marinette, Oconto, Oconto Falls, and Menominee have already embraced the presence of SROs, resulting in safer, more secure environments conducive to learning.

The Peshtigo community prides itself on a commitment to education and the well-being of its youth. Now, we call on our fellow community members, taxpayers, and local residents to champion this initiative. By supporting the deployment of School Resource Officers across our schools, we can proactively safeguard our kids against threats and allow them the peace of mind to focus on what truly matters: their education.

Join us in advocating for a safer school environment. The district is forming a Strategic Planning Task Force, and this group will include parents, students, staff, business representatives, and other community members to discuss priorities for Peshtigo Schools. This is an important opportunity for community input and would be a great time to show the support behind this initiative.  If school safety is something you care about, this is the time to speak up and make sure it is part of the conversation. 

Let’s ensure that our schools remain sanctuaries for growth and learning by empowering trained officers to bear the responsibility of safety, not our children. Sign this petition to urge the local school board and decision makers to allocate resources for full-time School Resource Officers in Peshtigo schools.

Your voice is vital to making this change happen. If you feel comfortable feel free to add a comment that you are a parent, student, taxpayer and why you support this initiatve!!!