News Summary
South Carolina is committing to enhance school safety by providing full-time school resource officers (SROs) in every public school. With a budget allocation of $29.4 million for SRO salaries, training, and equipment, the state aims to address security concerns effectively. The number of schools with SROs has significantly increased from 406 to nearly 1,200. With ongoing recruitment efforts, the initiative seeks to fill approximately 100 SRO vacancies and establish a safer environment for students and staff across the state.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – In a significant advancement for student safety, South Carolina has committed to providing full-time school resource officers (SROs) in every public school across the state. This initiative marks a pivotal achievement in school security and reflects a longstanding priority for Governor Henry McMaster, highlighting the importance of safety in educational environments.
In conjunction with a press conference held in Duncan, Spartanburg County, law enforcement officials and state legislators lauded the newly allocated funding. The fiscal year 2025 state budget earmarks an additional $29.4 million specifically for SRO salaries, training, and essential equipment. This funding is instrumental in expanding the number of schools staffed with SROs and is part of a broader initiative to bolster safety in South Carolina’s educational institutions.
As of now, the number of public schools employing a full-time SRO has surged from 406 in 2019 to nearly 1,200. At the commencement of the 2024-2025 school year, only 119 out of the state’s 1,283 public schools did not have a full-time SRO on staff. This reflects a robust effort by the state to address and improve the security landscape in schools.
Funding is readily available for schools to recruit SROs once qualified candidates are identified. As such, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety is also enhancing a program that assists schools in financial need to hire SROs. Despite the momentum, there are still approximately 100 SRO vacancies statewide that require filling. The recruitment process is ongoing, and schools are urged to find individuals who demonstrate commitment and passion for the safety role.
Legislative and Emergency Preparedness Supports
Senator Shane Martin has been instrumental in ensuring the flow of bipartisan support for SRO funding within the state legislature. Underlining the importance of school safety, Governor McMaster has emphasized the commitment to continuous state initiatives aimed at securing educational environments, alongside seeking input from educators, parents, and administration.
Legislation has been enacted to establish a dedicated center for school safety that emphasizes training focused on both active shooter responses and broader violence prevention strategies. Additionally, the current state budget has allocated $5 million for a statewide school safety mapping program, which is designed to improve emergency response tracking capabilities across the educational sector.
Impact on School Environments
The presence of school resource officers plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. Cpl. Tommie Brooks, an SRO at Tyger River Elementary, has shared insights into how safety measures contribute to a conducive learning atmosphere, thereby positively influencing student well-being and academic success.
As South Carolina progresses toward its goal of having full-time SROs in each public school, state leadership remains optimistic about the state’s potential to become a national leader in educational safety. The commitment to ongoing safety initiatives and substantial funding reflects the state’s proactive stance in addressing safety challenges in schools, prioritizing the welfare of students and staff alike.
In conclusion, with enhanced funding and a strategic focus on hiring qualified personnel, South Carolina is making strides to create a safer educational landscape, ensuring that every public school is equipped with the necessary resources to safeguard its students.
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Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today: McMaster’s Visit at Duncan Elementary
- Live 5 News: Rise in SROs Under McMaster
- Spectrum News: SROs in South Carolina
- WIS News: McMaster SRO Program Update
- Count On 2: Funding for SROs in SC
- Wikipedia: School Resource Officer
- Google Search: School Safety Initiatives South Carolina
- Google Scholar: School Safety Officer Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Google News: South Carolina School Safety 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
