SROs, School Safety Discussed Tuesday At Public Forum In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Parents and residents will gather Tuesday evening to discuss school safety and the role of school resource officers. In June 2021, the Howard County Public School System's board of education decided that SROs would not be in middle schools or elementary schools for the 2021-2022 school year. The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Howard County Police Department that allowed school resource officers in high schools only.

The public forum has been scheduled before the upcoming 2022 Maryland General Assembly session and aims to engage people in discussions about SROs' roles and school safety. Mental health practitioner LaToya Nkongolo, retired school resource officer from Howard County Steven Willingham, current school resource officer in Baltimore City Clyde Boatwright and state delegate Reid Novotny. The forum will be moderated by Yuripzy Morgan, a family law attorney, WBAL Radio host and parental rights advocate.

"While no one wants to think about the 2018 vandalism incident at Glenelg High School, it is important that parents like myself understand the relationship between students and SROs and how that relationship can help with investigations in difficult cases," Beth Retaliatta, event co-organizer, said.

"This forum will help clear up the confusion arising from arguments against having SROs in our schools," added Allen Stein, co-organizer. "I look forward to hearing the discussion on the crucial relationship between SROs and students. For many students, meeting with their SRO might be their first time that they meet and know a member of public safety."

The forum is being organized by Families Unite Howard County, a Maryland-based nonpartisan group of concerned parents. The program will start at 7 p.m. at Kelsey's Restaurant, 8480 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.