Community speakers urge reinstatement of a reimagined SRO program in Edmonds schools

Multiple parents, students and community members urged the Edmonds School District Board of Directors to reinstate a reimagined school resource officer (SRO) program during a lengthy public-comment period.

Marie McCoy, a Meadowdale resident and clinical social worker, told the board the district should "vote to reinstate a reimagined school resource officer program as an immediate part of a broader school safety strategy," citing the March 2026 shooting near Meadowdale and saying a prevention-focused program must include "safeguards or accountability." McCoy asked that any program "protect students and staff, build trust and understanding, support prevention and de-escalation, and operate under clear standards and oversight." (Marie McCoy, public comment.)

Camilla Gomez Moini, who said she has worked with students in Edmonds schools, presented local police figures for three Linwood-area schools and said case reports rose from 49 to 91, calls for service rose from 373 to 437, and arrests doubled from 7 to 14 after the previous SRO program ended. She acknowledged that data do not prove causation, but said the pattern "deserves serious attention" and argued a carefully designed SRO program should be one safety tool the district considers. (Camilla Gomez Moini, public comment.)

Students and other speakers urged student involvement and strict limits. Sage Bridal, a Linwood High School peer mediator, described lockdowns and said an SRO "that was there for students in open and positive ways" could help stop violence before it happens. Arcema Isaias, a Mountlake Terrace High School junior, said student input should shape training, protocols and accountability, and recommended limits on video recording by SROs except in official investigations. (Sage Bridal; Arcema Isaias, public comments.)

Speakers with community or first-responder experience framed SROs as relationship-building roles. Shannon Sessions, an Edmonds alum and parent who said she works with first responders, described SROs as "trained relationship builders" and mentors who can provide prevention and early-intervention supports; she acknowledged added costs but said many districts share those expenses with law enforcement partners. (Shannon Sessions, public comment.)

Several speakers offered personal testimony linking violence to the program's absence. Tabitha Johnson described the 2-year anniversary of her 13-year-old daughter Jada’s death from a stray bullet at Alderwood Mall and said she believes an officer stationed in places where children gather "could have" made a difference. Bridget Linville, who said she lost a son to gang violence in 2022, told the board the district's violence "has gone up 87%" since SRO removal (figure quoted by the speaker) and urged reinstatement in middle and high schools. (Tabitha Johnson; Bridget Linville, public comments.)

Other commenters asked the board to ensure any SRO program be trauma-informed and not focused on criminalizing students; Wally Webster recommended training in adolescent development, trauma-informed practices and cultural responsibility, and said school discipline should remain the responsibility of school staff. (Wally Webster, public comment.)

Board members listened and thanked speakers but did not take action or vote on an SRO program during the meeting. Director Cadems reiterated that public input would continue to be accepted by email and in future meetings. (Board comments.)

What’s next: The remarks will inform the district’s continuing work on safety strategies; the board did not place an SRO policy item on tonight’s agenda and did not vote on reinstatement.