Independence Local Schools is set to bolster its security measures for the upcoming 2024-25 school year by paying for additional security coverage to ensure all three buildings have a police presence throughout the school day. This expansion ensures that each of the district's three schools will now have either a SRO (School Resource Officer) or a police officer, marking a significant enhancement to the existing safety infrastructure.
Since 2023, the district has benefited from two SROs: Officer Troy Keegan at Independence High School and Officer Jim Green at Independence Primary School. Both officers have been sharing responsibilities at Independence Middle School. However, starting this August, the middle school will have rotating police officers covering the building.
The City of Independence will continue its commitment to school safety by funding two of the SRO positions. The school district will finance the rotating police coverage, demonstrating a collaborative effort to prioritize student and staff safety among both the city and schools.
The new arrangement at Independence Middle School will feature a rotation of officers. This approach not only provides consistent security presence but also familiarizes more police officers with the school's layout and student body, enhancing overall emergency preparedness.
Officers Keegan and Green, both with over two decades of service to the Independence community, will continue in their current roles. Their extensive experience and strong connections with students and residents underscore the program's community-oriented approach to school safety.
"This expansion of the rotating police officers at the middle school reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a safe learning environment,” said Superintendent Kelli Cogan, Independence Local Schools. “By having a full-time police presence in each building, we're not just improving security; we're fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and our students."
The move has been well-received by parents and staff alike, with parent Samantha Kennedy stating, "Knowing there will be officers in each school gives us peace of mind. It's reassuring to see the district and city working together for our children's safety."
As the new school year approaches, Independence Local Schools looks forward to welcoming students back to even safer campuses, where learning can flourish in a secure environment.
Photo: Officer Jim Green with students from Independence Primary School during Right To Read Week last school year.