During its December 10 meeting, the Rondout Valley Central School District Board of Education approved adding a second School Resource Officer (SRO) through the Ulster County Sheriff's Office and hiring two armed security guards through Atlas Security, Inc. This will allow a SRO to be assigned to both the High School and the Junior High/Intermediate School, and will provide each of our Elementary Schools with an armed security guard. 

The decision to add armed security was not made without considerable thought, discussion, and research. The topic of increased security in our buildings has been publicly discussed during Board meetings since August. In November, Atlas Security gave a detailed presentation about their services. 

Our community is built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared commitment to the well being of our students and staff. We understand that opinions on the use of armed security in our schools vary widely based on individual experiences, values, and concerns. Please be assured that the safety and educational experience of our students is at the forefront of this decision, and we are committed to keeping the community informed throughout implementation. 

On behalf of myself and the Board of Education, I would like to thank you for the trust that you place in us to keep our schools safe. 

Sincerely, 

Paul M. Spadaro, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why now, and why armed?

We have had armed School Resource Officers in our schools since 2015. These additional positions will strengthen our multi-prong Comprehensive Safety Plan in order to provide the ability for a security presence in each of our four school buildings. Other safety measures being implemented include improvements to the physical security of all school buildings through our Capital Project work, utilizing tools to increase online safety, as well as focusing on providing mental health support and creating a culture of community and belonging within our buildings.

Why do we need to use a security company?  

The District would prefer a SRO at each building, however the Ulster County Sheriff's Office does not currently have the staffing levels needed for this model. If additional SROs are available at a later date, the District may revisit this option. 

Who will provide the security services? 

Atlas Security Services, Inc. is a licensed and bonded company with 32 years of providing professional security officers. The company is based in Goshen and currently serves 15 school districts, including two that are neighboring.  

What qualifications does Atlas Security have? 

The company complies with the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Act, including background checks, fingerprinting, and the completion of all required State-mandated courses for providing services to students. Prior to working in schools, Atlas guards must be cleared for employment by the New York State Education Department. Specific required training includes: 

• A certified weapons course and supplemental training on suspicious packages, response to active shooter incidents, and enhanced terrorism awareness and response.
• State-mandated sexual harassment training, CPR, First Aid, and AED training. 
• Regular in-service training on de-escalation strategies, conflict resolution, and management of disruptive behavior.
• Participation in District training, including our Behavioral Threat Assessment (BTA) program. 
• Additional training in collaboration with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, including a three day C-PASS School Safety Conference. 

Will guards be stationed at entrances only? What specific responsibilities will guards be assigned?

Our security team will integrate with our school community to enhance safety where it is most useful. Security guards will assist with a range of school day responsibilities, as well as be available for added support at special events on evenings and weekends. Specific responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with arrival and dismissal traffic 
• Assisting with supervision in hallways/recess/lunch periods
• Securing entrances and exits
• Monitoring cameras
• Firewatch
• Assisting with building evacuations
• CPR/First-Aid services
• Patrolling school buildings and grounds
• Lending an overall sense of security through actions and presence

How will security be assigned?

We will now have two SROs, who will be assigned to both the High School and the Junior High/Intermediate School. Our new security guards will serve each of our Elementary Schools. 

How come the community was not involved in this decision?

We understand that opinions on the use of armed security in our schools vary widely based on individual experiences, values, and concerns. Please understand that the implementation of our safety and security measures is the responsibility of the Board of Education, whose members are elected by the community to represent them through the decisions they make. As Board members, they have access to information and a deep understanding of needs than exist within the District. This has been an ongoing topic at our Board meetings starting with our former Superintendent Dr. Joseph Morgan before he retired. The discussions continued this summer. Please be assured that the safety and educational experience of our students is at the forefront of this decision, and we are committed to keeping the community informed throughout implementation.