By Beth Barhydt
In an effort to enhance school security, the New Canaan Board of Education has implemented a comprehensive School Resource Officer (SRO) program across all public schools in the district, coupled with a series of technological and infrastructural upgrades. These initiatives, driven by the board’s commitment to student safety, mark an increase in the district’s approach to securing its educational environments.
Comprehensive SRO Program: YEARS IN THE MAKING
The push for an expanded SRO presence has been a central focus of recent Board of Education campaigns.
“Ensuring our children are safe in their learning environment is not just a priority—it is a responsibility. We must have a dedicated security presence in every school,” said Hugo Alves during his campaign, reflecting his feeling of urgency for this initiative.
Previously, New Canaan’s SROs were limited to the high school and middle school, with a single officer rotating among the three elementary schools and several private institutions. This arrangement, while beneficial, left gaps in consistent coverage.
“After Sandy Hook, we placed an SRO in the high school and middle school, but for years, there were none in the elementary schools,” said Board Member Julie Toal. “Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we managed to secure a roaming SRO, but it was clear that one officer for all these schools wasn’t enough.”
The newly expanded program, which now places dedicated SROs in each of the district’s elementary schools, is the result of sustained efforts by Toal and her colleagues on the Board. Lara Kelly, who also advocated for the initiative, remarked, “The safety of our youngest students cannot be an afterthought. They deserve the same level of protection as our older students, and I’m committed to seeing this through.”
Matt Campbell, another vocal supporter, added, “This is not just about having officers in schools; it’s about community policing, building trust, and ensuring that our schools remain secure environments where children can thrive.”
Overcoming Challenges and Community Impact
The path to achieving this goal was not without challenges. Toal recounted the uphill battle she and Alves faced, noting that even within their own party, there was initial reluctance to fully support the SRO expansion.
“It wasn’t an easy thing to get passed,” Toal said. “There was pushback, particularly from those concerned about the presence of guns on school campuses. The idea of gun-free schools was a point of contention.”
However, the success of the program, particularly the positive relationships built by Officer Shane Gibson, the district’s roaming SRO, helped to shift perceptions. “Officer Shane would play football with second graders at recess, forming bonds with the kids and showing that having an officer around was a positive thing,” Toal explained. “It became increasingly clear that the benefits far outweighed the concerns.”
The new SROs, who have begun their roles already, bring extensive experience and deep ties to the New Canaan community. Nicole Vartuli, assigned to South School, and Ron Bentley, now stationed at his alma mater East School, both come with backgrounds in law enforcement and community engagement.
“I know this is of course a high priority for the board and for our district. Always has been,” said Dr. Bryan Luizzi, Superintendent of New Canaan Public Schools during a recent Board of Education meeting. “This morning at convocation, we met our new SROs, Nicole and Ron.”
“Nicole has been a big help for us through the years,” Dr. Luizzi noted. “She’s been very connected with the schools, and we think she’s a great choice to join our team of SROs.”
Dr. Luizzi also spoke about Bentley, who returned to the district after serving as an SRO at New Canaan High School 14 years ago. “Ron is not only experienced but also a New Canaan High School graduate, bringing a personal connection and deep understanding of our community.”
Enhanced Security Measures
In addition to expanding the SRO program, Dr. Luizzi outlined a series of enhanced security measures being implemented across the district’s schools. These initiatives include technological upgrades and structural improvements designed to bolster the safety of students and staff.
One of the central upgrades involves the district’s door access systems, which have been outfitted with new security features designed to improve real-time monitoring and control.
“We’ve updated our door access systems to include added security features, primarily alerts that will notify us if a door is left ajar,” Dr. Luizzi explained. “This system allows us to know specifically which door is open, where it is, and how long it’s been open. Each door can be set on its own timer, depending on its location and function.”
The upgraded system provides the district with a more granular level of control, allowing for customized settings based on the specific needs of different entrances. For instance, a front door that requires frequent access can have a different security setting than a side door that should remain closed most of the time.
In addition to technological upgrades, physical safety measures are also being implemented to improve the security infrastructure of school campuses. Dr. Luizzi noted that the district has installed a new speed hump at New Canaan High School, strategically placed to enhance pedestrian safety.
“The speed hump was purposely installed at the crosswalk from the student parking lot across the street,” said Dr. Luizzi. “By elevating the crosswalk, we’ve made it easier for drivers to see students as they cross, which is particularly important given the varied heights of students and the large size of many vehicles.”
Further, the district has ordered new bollards and guardrails to be installed across different school buildings. These physical barriers are designed to protect against unauthorized vehicle access and to ensure that pedestrian pathways are secure.
“We’re also eagerly awaiting the bollards that have been ordered, which will be put in place soon across different buildings in strategic spots,” Dr. Luizzi added. “These additions, along with some new guardrails, will contribute to the overall safety of our school environments.”
Communication and Monitoring Systems
Dr. Luizzi also highlighted improvements to the district’s communication and monitoring systems. Updated radios have been provided to staff, ensuring reliable communication during both routine operations and potential emergencies. The district has secured additional funding to maintain and enhance these communication tools.
“Each year, we update our radios to make sure that our communication systems are functioning at the highest level,” Dr. Luizzi stated. “This year, we received additional funding from the town to further improve our communication capabilities.”
Moreover, the district’s crisis advisory board, which includes representatives from local police, fire, EMS, and the first selectman’s office, will continue to play a critical role in refining and implementing security strategies. Dr. Luizzi noted that these partnerships are essential to maintaining a high level of security awareness and preparedness across all schools.
“We are continually evolving and improving our security approach,” said Dr. Luizzi. “The collaboration with our local police, fire, and EMS, as well as with the first selectman’s office, is a key component of our security strategy.”
Looking Forward
While these measures represent advancements in school security, the district remains committed to continuously assessing and enhancing its approach. The district plans to review and refine its security protocols regularly.
“We believe that our security enhancements will have a positive impact on the safety of our students and staff,” Dr. Luizzi concluded. “But this is ongoing work, and we will continue to monitor and improve our systems as needed to stay ahead of any potential threats.”
As the new school year progresses, the comprehensive SRO program and enhanced security measures are expected to provide increased safety and peace of mind for students, parents, and educators across New Canaan.
