Introducing School Safety Officers Through the Stronger Connections Grant

Dear LESD79 Families,

We are excited to share important news about enhanced safety measures for our schools. Through Arizona’s Stronger Connections Grant, we have secured funding to implement the School Safety Officer (SSO) program at 10 of our schools. This initiative is in addition to the School Resource Officer (SRO) already serving Verrado Middle School, bringing the total number of schools with law enforcement presence to 11.

The following schools will now have a School Safety Officer (SSO) assigned:

  • Barbara B. Robey Elementary
  • Belen Soto Elementary K-8
  • Corte Sierra Elementary
  • Dreaming Summit Elementary
  • Litchfield Elementary
  • Palm Valley K-8
  • Verrado Heritage K-8
  • Western Sky Middle School
  • Wigwam Creek Middle School
  • White Tanks Learning Center

The SSO program is designed to enhance safety and security by placing trained, certified peace officers in our schools. These officers have completed specialized coursework and will serve in an off-duty or extra-duty capacity, working closely with each school's leadership and the respective law enforcement departments.

The key components of the SSO program include:

  1. Enhanced Police Response and Presence: SSOs will serve schools that do not have a dedicated SRO, providing a visible law enforcement presence and performing duties aligned with School Safety Grant protocols.
  2. Site Assessments: SSOs will collaborate with school personnel to assess campus safety and provide recommendations to ensure a secure environment.
  3. Emergency Response Plans: Officers will support staff in maintaining and updating Emergency Response Plans as required by the Arizona Department of Education.
  4. Building Relationships: SSOs will foster meaningful connections with students, parents, and staff to create a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture.

This proactive approach reflects our district’s commitment to creating safe and secure learning environments for all students and staff. We are grateful for the partnerships with local law enforcement agencies that have made this possible, and we remain committed to working together to ensure safety in our schools.

Should you have any questions about the SSO program, please contact the LESD79 Director of School Safety at fosterdeoro@lesd79.org. Thank you for your ongoing support of our efforts to prioritize student safety and well-being.

Sincerely,

Thomas Foster de Oro
Director of School Safety
Litchfield Elementary School District #79