A Great Start to Improvements Underway at SPS
Work to improve safety and security at Springfield’s public schools has already begun, thanks to $4.3 million allocated for the 2018–2019 school year by the Board of Education.
These funds kicked off efforts to improve security at schools by evaluating and enhancing cameras and intercom systems, hiring additional school police officers, enhancing and expanding training and drills, and increasing support for mental health.
Three new school police officers have been hired, placing an officer at every high school and middle school. Every staff member in the system must take critical incident and emergency preparedness trainings, a text tip line was launched so students can text school police with concerns, and educators receive mental health training.