Overview of Proposed Model for School Safety in Charlottesville City Schools (March 2021)

Background Information

In June 2020, Charlottesville’s School Board and Police Department agreed that we need a new model for school safety, one that does not place School Resource Officers, or SROs, in our schools. This decision supports our equity work and reflects current trends in school safety.

Safety remains our top priority, and there are many models for safety. Data does not indicate that having an SRO on site leads to better outcomes for either day-to-day events or emergencies.

Research-Based Ideas

What data does show is effective are many areas that Charlottesville has already committed to, such as:

• Mental wellness
• Intentional community-building and strong relationships
• Common-sense building upgrades
• Threat assessment teams and de-escalation skills to evaluate and manage situations as they arise
• Restorative practices to restore good relationships, teach interpersonal skills, and minimize engagement with court systems

The Proposed Plan for Charlottesville Schools

• In the fall, the Superintendent convened a committee of staff, students, family members and community members, many with relevant expertise. They were asked to research and recommend a new safety model.
• As the committee worked, one model rose to the top. In Toronto, Canada, they removed school resource officers in 2017 and found success using school-hired safety monitors. In many cases, these safety monitors were already working in the schools or the community. These safety monitors are “more mentor than muscle.” They keep an eye on the facilities to make sure that doors are secured, and they walk the halls of the schools to offer a helpful hand as needed. They are trained in de-escalation, mental health, and safety procedures. In Charlottesville, the training of the safety monitors would be directed by the division, and they’d report to the building principals at Buford, CHS, and Lugo-McGinness Academy.
• In addition to safety monitors, this model also increases focus on mental wellness and student supports. Due to a recent grant and the planned budget for 21-22, Charlottesville City Schools will add mental health or social work professionals on every level.
• Following a revised memorandum of understanding, police will still come to schools when needed. We’ll also continue to partner with community organizations in Charlottesville because we work better together. We’ll keep upgrading facilities with a focus on door access control. Again, the foundation is positive school culture and building relationships. We’ll train staff in key areas such as restorative practices. And we’ll teach the social-emotional skills our students need to self-regulate and help support their peers. Everyone has a role to maintain a positive school atmosphere.

Summary of the Big Ideas of this Proposed Plan

So the big ideas are —

• Strengthening our community and relationships
• Growing our mental health supports
• Raising up community mentors to be an extra set of hands in the hallways
• Partnering with the community, including clearly defined situations when police will still come to schools to promote safety

More Information and Survey

Have questions or suggestions? Visit charlottesvilleschools.org/safety to find a survey (now closed) or learn more.