Are SROs Really the Solution? Why Misaligned Roles in School Safety Agreements Are Failing Students
The Role of School Resource Officers: Why Clear Agreements and Defined Roles Matter Monic Behnken’s exploration of the effectiveness of SROs (Des Moines Register, December 7, 2024) in preventing violence highlighted important issues around school safety. Her argument raises valid concerns about the limitations of SROs and the unintended consequences their presence can have on […]
When Tragedy Strikes: DOJ Investigates Schools and SROs After Student Suicide in New Jersey
The tragic suicide death of an 11-year New Jersey Middle School Student has brought focus to the responsibility of schools in preventing bullying and ensuring student safety. Following Felicia’s suicide in the school restroom in early 2023, the Mount Holly Township School District in New Jersey now faces a federal DOJ civil rights investigation and […]
Metal Detectors, Cell Phones, and School Safety: Lessons from the Firestone High School Incident
A recent incident at Firestone High School in Akron, Ohio, has sparked national discussions about the role of school resource officers (SROs) and security measures like metal detectors. On October 16, 2024, a 16-year-old student attempted to bypass the school’s metal detector and was met by school staff and two police officers, including the SRO. […]
Prowess Edge is Here for You
At Prowess Edge, we stand at the forefront of innovation in K-12 education, offering customized, cutting-edge solutions to schools and districts across the country. As education continues to evolve, we recognize the growing demand for professional development that addresses the complexities of today’s school environments—school safety, climate, discipline, and student success. With our team of […]
North Texas school district weighs controversial school marshal program for enhanced security
Missed Warning: How a Gun Passed School Screening and Threatened Safety
Recent events at Ambridge Area Middle School in Pennsylvania highlight a troubling dynamic in school safety—one that underscores the challenges of defining and executing the roles of educators and law enforcement in school environments. A 13-year-old student reportedly brought a loaded gun to school on consecutive days, bypassing metal detectors and threatening classmates. This incident […]
Bridging Communication Gaps to Prevent School Weapons Incidents
A concerning incident unfolded at Liberty Middle School in Madison, Alabama, when a 13-year-old student was found with a loaded 9mm handgun on campus. The situation highlights both the success of immediate intervention and the significant challenges posed by communication breakdowns. The Madison Police Department (MPD) initially received a report of the student allegedly displaying […]
Schools and States Grapple with Increasing Penalties for Mass Shooting Threats
Mass shooting threats are a grim reality that schools across the United States are forced to confront, disrupting learning environments, straining resources, and shattering the sense of safety that schools strive to maintain. In New Mexico, the issue has reached a critical point. Last month alone, schools in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos, Rio Rancho, Raton, […]
Safris v. Urbandale Schools Lawsuit: A Wake-Up Call for Schools’ Responsibilities in Student Safety
The ongoing trial of Safris v. Urbandale Schools has spotlighted the serious consequences that can arise when schools do not strictly adhere to their own policies. The lawsuit, brought by the Safris family, alleges that Urbandale Schools failed to uphold policies that could have prevented their daughter from suffering repeated assault, harassment, and subsequent severe […]
Partnership Failure: Accomack County Superintendent Fired Amid Allegations of Law Enforcement Interference
In a move that highlights significant shortcomings in school safety protocols, the Accomack County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Rhonda Hall, was recently ousted in a contentious 5-4 vote. This decision stemmed from accusations that she interfered with local law enforcement during an investigation of a potential threat to student safety. Dr. Hall had dedicated over […]