Orange County NC Website
z <br /> Hamilton stated that follow-up would occur with Mr. Roberts and the Meeting Summary <br /> would be brought back to the next Task Force meeting for further consideration. <br /> 3. Discussion in Small Groups —Where Do We Go from Here? <br /> Co-Chair Hamilton shared a set of four questions with Task Force members, and <br /> facilitated Task Force members numbering themselves from 1 to 3 for convening into <br /> small groups at individual group tables. Co-Chair Hamilton asked each group to review <br /> and discuss the four questions and take notes as appropriate, in preparation for everyone <br /> coming back together to share and discuss their conversations and conclusions. <br /> The four questions for the small groups to discuss were: <br /> 1. What have we learned about external public school safety issues in Orange <br /> County? <br /> 2. Is there more information that we need to gather? Are there clarifications needed? <br /> 3. Are there ways that we can improve the safety of public school students and staff <br /> from external threats? <br /> 4. Are there any recommendations to the BOCC for changes in policies or practices? <br /> The three small groups consisted of: <br /> • Ari Schein, Richard Bradford, and Tina Sykes <br /> • Andre Stewart, Cassie Rice, and Evan Sredzienski <br /> • Jean Hamilton, Kate O'Boyle, Andrew Poole, and Andy Simmons <br /> The members of the public at the meeting also joined the three small groups to listen to <br /> the discussion on the four questions. The small groups met until 6.15 pm. <br /> 4. Small Group Reports & Full Group Discussion <br /> Co- Chair Hamilton reconvened the Task Force members and solicited feedback from the <br /> groups on Question #1 —What have we learned about external public school safety issues <br /> in Orange County? Task Force member Andy Simmons commented that collaboration <br /> was key and that all stakeholders needed to have input. He stated that it was good to <br /> hear from County Attorney John Roberts, and UNC Law Professor Mary-Rose <br /> Papandrea, and that Mr. Roberts' comments about school property lines and boundaries <br /> was particularly interesting. He noted acknowledging the philosophical differences <br /> related to school resource officers (SROs) for Orange County Schools in comparison to <br /> Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools. Task Force member Simmons also noted the <br /> historical designs for schools with lots of doors, which make them "soft" targets in modern <br /> society. <br /> Task Force member Ari Schein added that best practices were already being used in the <br /> schools and that standard response protocols were already in place. He also referenced <br /> the value of SROs. <br />