Senator David Carlucci and Assemblymembers Ken Zebrowski and Ellen Jaffee have taken action in filling the open Student Resource Officer (SRO) position at Spring Valley High School by calling for an immediate replacement. Following several violent incidents that have occurred at the school over the past few months, it has become clear that the role of the SRO is imperative to maintaining a safe environment for students. The position has remained vacant since the former SRO, a Village of Spring Valley Police Officer, retired and has caused a lack of security. The three legislators recently wrote a letter to Spring Valley Mayor Demeza Delhomme requesting that he looks to immediately fill the position and appoint a police officer as SRO for the school.

"Ensuring the safety of our students must be our highest priority. School Resource Officers play invaluable roles in fostering a safe environment for students to learn and thrive, all while maintaining the safety of the building. Filling the vacancy in the SRO position at Spring Valley High School should take place immediately before further incidents occur at the school," said Senator David Carlucci.

“The Student Resource Officer plays an integral role in ensuring student safety and creating a safe environment. There has been a blatant gap in security at the high school since the SRO position has remained vacant and a replacement must immediately be appointed. The presence of a law enforcement officer that is on the ground, and in the school on a daily basis would also offer comfort to students; especially after several incidents of violence that have occurred recently. Students deserve to feel safe in their learning environment, and a SRO would restore that sense of security,” said Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski.

“I have asked the Mayor of Spring Valley to replace the retired SRO because of the apparent increase in dangerous situations for students. I would be remiss if I also didn’t stress the need for the SRO to build and foster relationships between law enforcement and youth. My hope would be that the officer would have a written agreement with the school clearly defining his or her role, especially when it comes to discipline. Increasing the amount of guidance counselors and other resources to address the root of these situations is also paramount,” Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee concluded.

In the letter, the legislators cited a specific incident that took place last week and involved 10 students, one that was stabbed with a pencil at the high school. They emphasized that these incidents usually start outside the school but end up escalating during the school day, affecting not only those involved, but disrupts all students. The presence of an SRO would limit or hinder these violent altercations and provide a stable environment between school hours and after hours at home. Senator Carlucci and Assemblymembers Zebrowski and Jaffee stressed the importance of an SRO at Spring Valley High School and requested that Mayor Delhomme fill the position immediately. They are awaiting a response from his office.