Nicholasville, Kentucky – From Sunday, October 20, to Saturday, October 26, Jessamine County commemorated Safe Schools Week, a initiative aimed at promoting school safety across the district. Local leaders gathered to sign a proclamation recognizing the importance of creating a secure learning environment for students.
The event included speeches from key figures such as Superintendent Sara Crum, Judge Executive David West, Nicholasville Mayor Alex Carter, and Wilmore Mayor Harold Rainwater. They addressed a group consisting of community leaders, educators, and students, highlighting the measures that have been put in place to maintain safety within schools.
Among these measures is the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, which began in 2007 with two officers serving the county’s two high schools. The program has since expanded to nine officers deployed across thirteen schools, including two officers from local police departments. The costs associated with the SROs are shared among the school district, Jessamine County, and the City of Nicholasville, while Wilmore oversees funding for its own SRO at Wilmore Elementary School.
During the event, Chief Michael Fleming of the Nicholasville Police Department emphasized the significance of building rapport between SROs and students. “For our SROs to be able to know the name of a thousand kids in a school is phenomenal,” he remarked. “Those relationships are being built, leading to a better future for our schools and students.”
Student Gabe Snyder, attending from East Jessamine High School, shared his perspective on the SROs, stating, “It’s just a really comfortable feeling to have someone there who cares and has the ability to protect.” This sentiment reinforces the benefits of fostering strong connections within the school community.
Superintendent Sara Crum, who previously served as the school district’s director of operations, underlined the value of the existing relationship between law enforcement and the schools. Chief Fleming commended this partnership, stating, “Our relationship with the schools is by far the best relationship we could possibly ask for.” He noted that efforts have extended beyond safety protocols to emphasize mentorship and support for students facing difficulties at home.
Safe Schools Week serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to ensuring not only physical but also emotional safety in Jessamine County schools. The collaboration between local leaders, law enforcement, and educators is vital in fostering an atmosphere where students can thrive academically and socially.
