HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — On March 31st, Henry County Public Schools (HCPS) announced that the school division will have School Resource Officers (SROs) on every campus in the county throughout the remainder of the year.
Previously, one designated SRO would rotate through the nine elementary schools in the area, but now every elementary school in the county will be staffed with specially trained officers every day.
“The safety of our school children is paramount and the Board of Supervisors is fully supportive of this endeavor to provide school resource officers onsite for each of our schools,” said Jim Adams, Board of Supervisors Chairman.
All middle and high schools in Henry County, as well as the Center for Community Learning, have already been staffed with SROs and will add more as resources become available.
In collaboration with the Henry County Government and Henry County Sherriff’s Office, HCPS was able to make this faculty adjustment. Additionally, HCPS will allocate funds from county positions that have not been filled to support this initiative.
By increasing the SRO presence in all Henry County Public Schools, regardless of grade level, the administration hopes to take a proactive approach to prepare for potential threats. HCPS believes SROs will not only protect students in a physical sense but will also provide emotional and community support to children and families.
“SROs are much more than just police officers. They are mentors, educators, and role models for our young scholars,” said Dale Wagoner, County Administrator.
HCPS hopes to continue having every school in the county staffed with SROs for the following school years.
