FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2020
Joint Statement by City of Charlottesville, Charlottesville Police, and Charlottesville City Schools
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Charlottesville City Schools, the Charlottesville City School Board, the Charlottesville Police Department, and the City of Charlottesville have mutually agreed to discontinue the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that places School Resources Officers (SROs) in the City’s schools. This is the latest step in a months-long process of updating the existing MOU, a process slowed down by the school closure due to COVID-19.
“While our organizations have been in discussion about the MOU for some time, we have long supported and championed the necessity to reconsider our approach to promoting the safety and wellbeing of students and staff,” noted Chief of Police RaShall Brackney.
“The existing MOU is not in the best interest of students and staff,” noted City manager Dr. Tarron Richardson. “This is an opportunity to listen broadly, to look at other approaches, and to craft a model that will serve our schools well. We will seek feedback from our citizens and explore national models.”
The pre-closure staffing of SROs in the schools posted officers at CHS (2) and Buford, with a roaming officer at the elementary schools. During the school closure, all SROs have been assigned to other patrols.
Financially, the MOU included a $300,000 annual transfer from the schools to the police to cover the expenses associated with the SROs assigned to the schools. These funds would be available to support the new model.
“Throughout my term as mayor, I’ve constantly challenged institutional structures that preserve the status-quo,” noted Mayor Nikuyah Walker. “Our students should be able to attend schools and not believe they will be policed for being children. A few years ago, I worked in a local private school and was amazed that similar disciplinary actions were handled differently than in the public school setting. Were the children or their actions drastically different? No! However, there was an expectation of grace that the parents demanded for their kids at the private school that isn’t afforded to our students who attend public schools.”
Walker continued, “Our public school system is an institution that mimics the prison-industrial complex rather than a safe space where students are able to unlock the jewels within their minds. SRO’s are simply one element that highlights this fact. We must commit to the creation of a paradigm that replaces this current institution that has continuously failed Black children since desegregation.”
“We have heard many different perspectives already on this topic. We’ve received emails from people wanting us to remove police from our schools, and we have talked with students and staff who express appreciation for the SROs they know and trust,” added Superintendent Dr. Rosa Atkins. “Together through conversations with the School Board, staff, students, community, the police, and the City, we will find a new pathway for supporting the needs of our students and staff in the best way possible.”
Following best practices, the schools’ safety and wellness plans lean heavily into programs supporting mental health, intentional community-building, and a positive school climate. Learn more at charlottesvilleschools.org/safety.
“Our national search for a new model will reflect these ongoing priorities and values,” noted Jennifer McKeever, chair of the Charlottesville School Board. “We must find a way to not only ensure physical safety, but also to promote mental and emotional well-being.”
This topic is on the agenda at tonight’s virtual School Board meeting at 5pm, available at facebook.com/cvilleschools. During the meeting, a series of feedback sessions will be announced with the goals of receiving broad input and developing a new model by August.
Dr. Atkins continued, “In his press conference this week, Governor Northam addressed national protests focused on policing. We know that nationally, the need for police reform is a big and painful issue. We intend to follow Governor Northam’s advice of listening to wise and informed people as we move forward. Thankfully, the Charlottesville community and our school community are filled with such people.”
Media Contacts
Brian Wheeler
Director of Communications
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3129
wheelerb@charlottesville.gov
Tyler Hawn
Public Information Officer
Charlottesville Police Department
434-970-3640
hawnto@charlottesville.org
Krissy Vick
Community Relations Liaison
Charlottesville City Schools
434-227-7828
vickk1@charlottesvilleschools.org