The background: An SRO is a law enforcement officer that works within schools. DSISD has an agreement with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office to provide these SROs to campuses, DSISD Director of Safety Sirenna Cumberland said.
What’s next: The district has four SROs for the entire district with elementary and middle school campuses sharing SROs, Cumberland said.
DSISD plans to provide three additional SROs to serve the district. Only one additional SRO will be starting in the fall, meaning there would be five SROs in the district by the start of school, Cumberland said.
There are 24 SRO positions and four openings for these positions in the entire county, which provide for all of the school districts that reside in Hays County, said Shane Smith with the law enforcement bureau of the sheriff's office.
By August, not accounting for resignations or any staffing changes, Smith said the four open positions can possibly be filled.
How we got here: Parents of students at various schools in Dripping Springs ISD, including Dripping Springs Elementary School, have voiced concerns regarding safety on campuses, advocating for additional SROs on each campus in the district during public comment at board meetings.
“I do appreciate the community coming forth,” Cumberland said. “We hear your concerns.”
For more information on DSISD, visit www.dsisdtx.us.
