GENTRY, Ark. — One Northwest Arkansas school district is taking new steps in its security plans which it said will help better protect students and staff.
During a Gentry School Board meeting on Oct. 21, members were presented a plan to train and arm commissioned school security officers.
The board approved the plan unanimously, according to a release from Gentry Public Schools, and the program could reportedly be operational as early as Spring 2025.
The presentation at the school board meeting was carried out by detectives from the Benton County Sheriff's Office. Schools across the state, including neighboring districts, have already implemented such programs, according to the release.
Under the program, selected personnel will serve as commissioned school security officers, or CSSOs. The release explains that the CSSOs will be an added layer of security on top of the existing full time and part time school resource officers.
Gentry Superintendent Tyler Broyles explained to 5NEWS that this does mean some teachers, principals, and other key school staff and faculty could soon be armed as part of the program but assures that selection is rigorous, and participation is voluntary.
Additionally, Broyles said the program is strictly for emergency situations, providing assistance and bridging the gap until emergency services and law enforcement can arrive during a threat.
Local law enforcement will conduct the training, and CCSO candidates will experience extensive training, Broyles said. The candidates will be selected based on their background and suitability for the role.
"Being a CSSO is a serious commitment," Broyles said. "A psychological exam will precede the training, which includes 60 hours focused on threat response similar to police training but without duties like ticket issuance. There will be 24 hours of training each year after."
Broyles explained that law enforcement will have the final say on selection of CCSO candidates and will be tasked with overseeing their progress.
While still in the early planning stages, the district's goal is to have two to three CCSOs per campus with a few at-large positions.
Broyles said that converting existing staff members to CCSOs is the more traditional route but one the district has opted to take.
"Candidates can come from any position, whether they’re teachers, principals, or other roles, as suitability is based on the individual’s background and mindset rather than their job title or educational background. The selection process is something both the district and law enforcement take very seriously to ensure only those who are truly fit for the program are chosen," Broyles said.
Broyles added that there is a stipend to offset cost of supplies and that the district has already seen a lot of interest.
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