# Study Notes: School Safety Policies and the Guardian Program ## Overview of the Guardian Program The Guardian Program was established in Florida as part of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (SB 7026) following the 2018 Parkland school shooting. Named after Coach Aaron Feis, a teacher who lost his life in the tragedy, the program allows school personnel to be armed to address active assailants. Initially limited to non-instructional staff, it was expanded in 2019 to include teachers (SB 7030). ### Key Features of the Guardian Program - **Purpose**: To arm school personnel as a security measure against active assailants. - **Implementation**: Requires collaboration with local Sheriff’s offices for training and oversight. - **Funding**: No direct funding was attached to the Act, but schools receive safety funding through the Safe Schools Appropriation, based on enrollment and local crime rates. - **Options for Districts**: Florida law mandates that each school district must implement one of the following: 1. **Guardian Program** (armed school personnel, including teachers). 2. **School Resource Officers (SROs)**: Certified law enforcement officers employed by police agencies. 3. **School Safety Officers (SSOs)**: Sworn law enforcement assigned to schools. 4. **Private Security Personnel**: Armed personnel from private security agencies. The Guardian Program is controversial, with strong support at the state level but mixed reception at the local level. --- ## Local Context: Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) Duval County, home to Jacksonville, Florida, faced unique challenges in implementing the Guardian Program due to its diverse population, political landscape, and financial constraints. ### Demographics and Governance - **Population**: 130,000 students across 200 schools, served by over 13,000 employees. - **Diversity**: Student population includes 43% African American, 33% Caucasian, 14% Hispanic, and smaller percentages of other groups. - **Political Landscape**: Registered voters include 42% Democrats, 36% Republicans, and 21% unaffiliated. ### Security Measures Before 2018 - **Middle and High Schools**: Had school police officers from the Duval County School Police (DCSP), a certified police agency. - **Elementary Schools**: Mostly unarmed security personnel. ### Financial Constraints - **Funding**: DCPS received $3.5 million from the Safe Schools Appropriation but spent an additional $2.5 million from general funds to cover SRO costs. - **Per-Pupil Expenditure**: $7,867, below the state average of $8,560. Many assume that state mandates like the Guardian Program come with sufficient funding, but this is often not the case. --- ## Decision-Making Process in Duval County ### Initial Position The Duval County School Board opposed arming school staff, favoring sworn law enforcement officers. A public resolution stated: > "The school board does not support deputizing or otherwise arming school personnel." ### Challenges 1. **State Mandate**: Required armed security in all schools but did not provide adequate funding. 2. **Budget Constraints**: Scaling the SRO program to all schools was cost-prohibitive, with estimates ranging from $7 million to $10 million. 3. **Stakeholder Opposition**: Teachers, parents, and advocacy groups voiced concerns about arming non-law enforcement personnel. ### Compromise: School Safety Assistants (SSAs) - **Role**: Armed school district employees trained under the Guardian Program, dedicated solely to school security. - **Cost**: SSAs were paid less than sworn law enforcement, making the program financially feasible. - **Implementation**: SSAs were placed in elementary schools, while SROs remained in secondary schools. SSAs were designed to resemble law enforcement in appearance and training, addressing concerns about professionalism while staying within budget. --- ## Implementation Challenges ### Recruitment and Training - **Applicant Pool**: Out of 200 applicants, 112 were disqualified due to failed background checks, polygraphs, drug tests, psychological assessments, or interviews. - **Training Delays**: Not all SSAs were trained in time for the school year, requiring temporary reliance on Sheriff’s officers. ### Community Concerns - **Petitions**: Over 1,200 signatures opposed the SSA program, advocating for sworn law enforcement instead. - **Legal Liability**: Concerns arose about the district’s financial exposure in case of incidents involving armed personnel. One parent expressed fear that his hearing-impaired, African American son might be misinterpreted as a threat by SSAs, highlighting concerns about racial bias and inadequate training. --- ## Legal Challenges ### Lawsuit Against DCPS Parents and advocacy groups filed a lawsuit claiming: 1. **Illegality**: Florida law prohibits guns on campus except for law enforcement officers. 2. **Risks**: Armed SSAs increase the risk of injury or death, especially for marginalized students. 3. **Psychological Impact**: Armed personnel exacerbate anxiety among students. ### Outcome - **Dismissal**: The court dismissed the case, stating the Guardian Program aligns with state law. - **Appeal**: Plaintiffs are appealing the decision, with no ruling yet from the appellate court. Legal challenges highlight the tension between state mandates and local implementation concerns. --- ## Broader Context: School Safety and Armed Personnel ### School Shootings and Violence - **Frequency**: School shootings are rare, averaging 11 per year since 1999. - **Trends**: Weapon possession and fear of harm at school have decreased significantly over the past two decades. ### Security Measures - **Increased Presence**: Use of security cameras, ID badges, and armed personnel has grown substantially. - **Law Enforcement**: Sworn officers are present in 48% of schools, while non-sworn security personnel are more common in primary schools. ### Evidence on Armed Personnel - **Effectiveness**: Research shows no reduction in casualties during school shootings when law enforcement is present. - **Unintended Consequences**: Increased arrests and exclusionary discipline disproportionately affect marginalized students. Assuming armed personnel always improve safety overlooks potential negative impacts, such as increased student arrests. --- ## Theoretical Perspectives ### Deterrence Theory - **Concept**: Armed personnel may deter potential assailants by increasing the perceived likelihood of apprehension. - **Application**: Visible security measures, such as SSAs, aim to prevent violence through deterrence. ### Critical Perspective - **Concerns**: Armed personnel may disproportionately harm marginalized students, particularly racial minorities. - **Example**: Research shows African American students are more likely to face exclusionary discipline in schools with law enforcement. Balancing deterrence with equity is crucial when implementing armed security measures in schools. --- ## Key Takeaways 1. **State vs. Local Tensions**: State mandates often conflict with local preferences and financial realities. 2. **Funding Challenges**: Adequate funding is essential for effective implementation of school safety measures. 3. **Stakeholder Engagement**: Community input is critical to address concerns and build consensus. 4. **Evidence-Based Decisions**: Policymakers should rely on research to evaluate the effectiveness and consequences of security measures. When evaluating school safety policies, consider both their intended benefits and potential unintended consequences.