NM Schools Consider Armed Security Guards

NM Schools Consider Armed Security Guards

Rio Rancho Public Schools already has school resource officers on campuses, but the armed security guards would be employed by the district.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • September 18, 2018

As school shootings continue to occur across the country, many school districts are increasing their security measures to keep students and faculty safe. Rio Rancho Public Schools in New Mexico is among the districts considering adding armed security guards to its campuses.

“We really want to do everything we can in our power to ensure that we are keeping our students safe,” Rio Rancho Public Schools spokesperson Beth Pendergrass said.

Rio Rancho Public Schools already has school resource officers on campuses, but the armed security guards would be employed by the district.

According to a Rio Rancho spokesperson, 2,700 parents and almost 600 staff members responded to a survey asking for input on the decision.

“We know there are strong feelings on either side of the issue, so we wanted to make sure we really involved our parents in our community and gathered their input and feedback before the board made a decision on this,” Pendergrass said.

Some parents were undecided, but many felt that getting feedback from parents was a good step. Parents also felt that open communication between parents, students, and staff was vital for security on campuses.

“The kids are usually the ones who know who you need to watch out for, who is dangerous, who is not stable, who is the one who has a problem with another kid,” mother Katy Cramer said.

Rio Rancho Public Schools will present the results of the survey at a school board work session on Sept. 24, and the board could vote on armed security guards as early as Oct. 8.

According to Pendergrass, the current budget included arming school security, so if the change is approved, it could happen this school year.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

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