School Principal and Administrator Roles and Responsibilities i. In collaboration with the ACPS Office of Safety and Security Services, the School Principal exercises operational control over the SRO’s work assignment location in or around the school building and grounds. This authority is consistent with Virginia Standards of Accreditation (2000), Section 8 VAC 00-000-000, which states: “The school administrator is recognized as the instructional leader of the school is responsible for effective school management that promotes positive student achievement, a safe and secure environment in which to teach and learn, and efficient use of resources”. (Section A)
ii. “The school administrator also ensures that the school division’s student code of conduct is enforced and seeks to maintain a safe and secure school environment.” (Section B.2).
iii. Additionally, consistent with Section 8 VAC 00-000-000.C.3., the school administration ensures “a written procedure, in accordance with guidelines established by the local board, for responding to violent, disruptive or illegal activities by students on school property or during a school sponsored activity.”
iv. In collaboration with the ACPS Office of Safety and Security Services, the school principal and administrators will review the MOU with SROs and establish school-specific operational and communications procedures to support the employment of law enforcement in the schools, only if needed. Such operational and communications procedures shall not supersede or substitute this MOU. School-specific operational and communication procedures must be formally written and approved by the Office of Safety and Security Services. This document must be available upon request. Reports of concerns or complaints about SRO actions shall be directed to school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security Services, who shall work directly with the SRO Supervisor and APD leadership, if necessary.
