Vaughn, Moser Question Need for School Safety Measures

The County Commission's leading opponents to proper school funding are now raising questions about the need for upgrades to the system's security measures.

Budget Committee Chair Kirk Moser and committee member Jim Vaughn, two commissioners who led the charge against fully funding the school system's budget in August, now are raising questions about the need for additional school security measures in light of the School Board's proposal for security upgrades including controlled entrances, cameras, and additional School Resource Officers (SROs).

Director of Schools Del Phillips presented information found in a comprehensive security review of the system at a Budget Committee meeting held this week.  The review noted schools and the level of modification necessary to improve their physical security.

Additionally, the Board on Tuesday passed a proposal requesting County funds for 46 SROs -- one for each school in the county.  Currently, there are 7 SROs -- one at each high school. 

Moser accused the Board of "hasty decision-making" and essentially expressed anger that his friend and police detective Jim Vaughn wasn't consulted in the matter. 

Vaughn is rumored to be supporting a plan that would allow teachers to bring concealed weapons into school buildings. 

As a result of Moser and Vaughn's shenanigans, moving forward on the Board's proposal appears to be delayed while Vaughn's Committee reviews the proposal that was just reviewed by the Education Committee and the proposal passed by the Board on Tuesday. 

This delay begs the question of how long our County Commission will wait to take the steps necessary to ensure children are safe at our schools.  And, if school safety improvements are funded, will Commissioners Vaughn, Moser, and others then refuse to fund other needed school system improvements?

Stay tuned as the ongoing saga between our County Commission and School Board continues -- while parents, teachers, and most importantly -- our kids -- are caught in the middle.