All Vidalia Schools to Have School Resource Officers

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All Vidalia City Schools campuses will be protected by school resource officers, as the Vidalia City Schools Board of Education unanimously approved contracts with the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office and John C. Anderson and Associates.

Each school will now have a school resource officer – either a Toombs County Sheriff’s Office deputy or contracted security guard – on campus at all times as a result of the contracts. Board members and Superintendent Sandy Reid emphasized their hope that the presence of these officers will not only help students to feel safe, but also work to foster trust and positive relationships between students and law enforcement.

“We are committed to creating a safe learning environment,” Superintendent Reid remarked. “This initiative assures me that we are doing everything we can to protect our students. Having trained law enforcement professionals in our schools not only addresses potential emergency situations, but also supports our daily safety needs.”

The Board began looking into the option of hiring private security guards for schools earlier this year, as they understood the strain that many vacancies within the Vidalia Police Department placed on the availability of school resource officers. A committee of school personnel and administrators researched the option and surveyed companies to determine the district’s best option.

“The mere presence of these officers enhances our environment,” Reid added. “They engage with students during recess, lunch, and even car lines, providing a critical first interaction that many of our students have with law enforcement. This creates a positive atmosphere and encourages constructive interactions, rather than negative ones.”

These officers will be funded through recent state allocations that were earmarked for improving school security across Georgia. “We are grateful to our legislators for their support,” Reid said. “The Revised School Safety Act has provided us with essential resources each year, ensuring that all schools, regardless of their size or demographics, can implement standardized safety practices. Their commitment truly reflects a prioritization of safety for all students and staff.” Toombs County Sheriff ’s Office Lieutenant Kevin Collins and Sergeant Jason McCoy will guide the school resource officers and lead the school safety teams. These individuals, along with the school resource officers, administrators, and other members of the safety team meet each Thursday morning to review the safety protocols of the school system and its respective schools, as they work to ensure the school safety plan is effective and continuously improving.

“Together, we are fostering a safe and secure environment where our students can thrive academically and socially,” Reid concluded.