APPROVED April 13, 2023 Schools Safety Task Force Meeting Summary

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the importance of consistent annual drills, including reunification plans, and the need for physical security audits. The presentation moved to School Resource Officers (SROs), with Ms. Fairley commenting that the Center provides grants to school districts for SROs. She cautioned that SROs should not be utilized for student discipline activities, as use in that manner would hurt the comradery between the SROs and the students. 4. Discussion/Questions & Answers with Karen Fairley Facilitator Bryan moved the discussion forward to questions and answers with Ms. Fairley. Task Force Member Bradford inquired about the costs for physical changes in facilities for safety. Ms. Fairley responded that the Center allocated $28 million for safety equipment such as cameras, secure doors, etc. She noted that the more prosperous school districts were self-sufficient in addressing these needs, while other districts had to start small with windows and lighting based on limited available funding. She added that the Center allocated $74 million for SROs and grants during the last year. Task Force Member Cassie Rice asked what parents could do to help enhance safety in schools. Ms. Fairley shared that volunteering in schools, continually communicating with school officials, and mentoring, especially with students who lacked adult connections, were worthwhile activities. She added that the Center would be establishing a group of parent liaisons, with three parents from each of the eight regions, to assist and advise the Center on school safety concerns. Task Force Member Monique Felder asked Ms. Fairley about metal detectors in schools. Ms. Fairley responded that the Center did not take a position on metal detectors, and that it was likely dependent on the particular school or district. If District A had encountered a lot of guns, then maybe detectors were advisable. If District D had few gun issues, then probably not. She noted that input from SROs was important. Task Force Member Andre Richmond inquired about maintaining safety and security at after-school events and at school board meetings occurring at schools. Ms. Fairley commented that setting boundaries was important, posting rules and keeping to time limits was necessary, and that identifying a specific person to discuss and connect with protesters was important, allowing them to be heard. Co-Chair Earl McKee asked about Ms. Fairley's knowledge of potential ordinances in other jurisdictions in the state to address school safety concerns and impacts, noting Orange County's previous uncertainties related to the First Amendment. Ms. Fairley responded that the Center was not aware of any relevant ordinances other than noise ordinances that might apply. She agreed regarding the First Amendment issues related to ordinances, and that a permitting system for protests may be an option.