Phoenix Union board faces criticism over school safety officer decision

Arizona Department Of Education Superintendent Tom Horne | Arizona Dpt. of Education Official Website

Superintendent Tom Horne has urged members of the Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) governing board to revisit their recent decision rejecting the deployment of armed officers at Betty Fairfax and Carl Hayden high schools. Horne, alongside present and past PXU educators, expressed his concerns over safety issues at these schools and called for reconsideration of the board's vote.

According to Horne, "The governing board made a mistake by rejecting the wishes of its district administrators and the two principals of these schools. Board members do not have to show up on campus every school day and deal with safety problems, but teachers, students and staff do. They know how bad the situation has become. Principals at these two schools requested armed officers through the state’s School Safety program that the Department of Education agreed to pay for them. The board should have respected the wishes of its own educators."

Horne stressed the severity of potential risks, adding, "Should the unthinkable happen and an armed maniac kills students at a school as we have seen in other states, the parents of those students would never forgive those responsible for failing to provide protection for the school."

Retired PXU teacher Mark Williams supported Horne’s stance, sharing his perspective: "Superintendent Tom Horne is attempting to protect students and staff by an ever-increasing threat of violence because some parents are failing to parent, and the school board is bending to a very few but vocal community about not having their children around police officers. One should ask ‘why’?"

Adding to the dialogue, Susan Groff, a National Board Certified Teacher, highlighted her experience with School Resource Officers. She remarked, “As a retired teacher and longtime resident of this community, I have seen firsthand the positive impact School Resource Officers have in our high schools. Their presence not only enhances safety but fosters trust and support among student and staff."

Pamela Kelley, M. Ed., also commented on the need for increased security measures, stating, "All Phoenix Union High School District Schools need metal detectors and School Resource Officers (SRO's) for the safety and security of the students, staff, and visitors."