North Hills planning for armed officers

The North Hills school board, which plans to put armed resource officers in each school, on Thursday will consider approving job descriptions for school police officers and a school police chief.

The resource officers would be nonunion district employees and would report to the building principals and the police chief. The chief reports to the principals and superintendent.

Requirements for the police officer and chief include at least 10 years of experience as a police officer, first aid and CPR certification and a current firearms certification.

Three residents who oppose the school police force continued to speak out against the concept and the job description during a work session May 31.

One resident, Matt Ferry, said the description should include training in age appropriate responses, disability issues and working with specific groups of students including students of color, LGBTQ, migrants and English learners.

“I have a feeling this was rushed through. I don’t think you will attract the right person with this,” he said.

Other speakers expressed concern that the police would be arresting students in the schools because the job descriptions allow them to issue citations.

“Your thought is that these police are going to police our children. We are trying to protect our children from the elements outside the building,” said board President Ed Wielgus.

Mr. Wielgus noted that all principals and 92 percent of members of the North Hills Education Association support the move, as well as many parents.

“We received number of emails and support in writing. I’m not sure we are going to be able to convince you folks about the way we see it,” he said.

Also on Thursday, the board will vote on a contract with Scenario Learning for Safe Schools Alert that would involve a bullying alert system and confidential tip line that will be available 24 hours a day for students, parents, faculty and staff. Cost of the contract is $1,677.