BSD invites members of the community to participate in a School Safety Task Force as requested in the Board of School Commissioners’ resolution passed on June 25, 2020. The resolution charges the School Safety Task Force with reviewing the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) and presenting recommendations to further the district’s policy goals of implementing all elements of Restorative Practices (RP) as part of the district priorities of equitable and safe inclusive schools.

Those interested in joining the School Safety Task Force should complete the application today.

The School Safety Task Force’s charge is to present a plan that accomplishes the following objectives:

– Identify and document the original intention of the SRO presence in the schools and the functions SROs perform in the school.

– Determine whether any of these functions must be performed by uniformed law enforcement officials. Which functions are done jointly with BSD staff?

– Develop options for alternative approaches that reinforce a restorative model for all of Burlington’s students/youth during and outside school hours.

– Ensure the safety of all of Burlington’s students/youth during and outside of school hours using a Restorative Practices model that eliminates the traumatizing effects associated with weapons, uniforms, and a police presence communicated by some of the district’s students and community members.

Per the resolution, the School Safety Task Force must be comprised not more than nine people, including school district leaders, school commissioners or their designee, a city councilor or their designee, a student, a parent, and a community member with lived experience with SRO’s, restorative practices, law enforcement, criminal justice reform, and youth development.

The School Safety Task Force will meet for at least two hours a week for two months and produce a report of recommendations by December 2020. This is a voluntary role; there is no compensation for participating in this Task Force. Applicants will need to be available to attend all meetings, both in-person and remotely.

Interested? Complete the School Safety Task Force application today.