All Public Schools Must Have a Safe-Schools Officer on Campus by Aug 1, 2019
July 19, 2019 – Updates were made to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act via SB7030 during the 2019 legislative session. The amended s. 1006.12, F.S. expands the categories of individuals who may serve as a safe-school officer (SSO). An SSO is defined as a police officer, deputy sheriff, or Guardian and gives schools several options for meeting the state mandate of having an SSO on campus by August 1, 2019.
It’s important to remember that every elementary, middle, and high school in Florida, including all charter schools, must have a Safe-Schools Officer (SSO) physically present on campus while school is in session. More guidance available here: School Safety_GUIDANCE for Charter Schools_6.28.19
Options to meet SSO requirements:
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Contract with your local law enforcement agency to secure an off-duty officer.
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Request Guardian training for employees from a Sheriff’s Department – even if your school board has chosen not to participate in the program. More info about Sheriff Departments offering Guardian Program training here: July 11 2019_Guardian Letter – Charter Schools Signed
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Contract with the District to secure a school resource officer or District police. This option is not available to charter schools in every district.
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Contract with a private security company to satisfy the SSO requirement. Note: private security guards must have completed the training required of guardians and meet other requirements. Contact FCSA if you are interested in this option.
On Friday, July 19, Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran sent a letter asking charter school leaders to contact the Office of Safe Schools if anyone on their staff needs Guardian training. Access that letter here: 2019.07.19_Charter Schools to Request Guardian Training and please follow directions for requesting training.
If you have any questions or concerns about meeting the SSO mandate, please contact an FCSA team member immediately.
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