Press Release

Statement on Christina School Board's Decision to Move Away from SROs

August 12, 2026

Last night I attended a meeting where the Christina School Board voted to move away from contracted School Resource Officers in our middle schools, replacing them with district-employed constables. I commend the Board for this decision.

This transition will begin in our middle schools over the next six months. SROs will remain in our high schools for now, but I believe the Board will continue moving toward constables districtwide as contracts come up for renewal — and I support that direction.

Here's why this matters: SROs are armed police officers who report to an outside agency, not to our schools. Under Delaware's Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights, they can't be held accountable by the district or the state for their actions in our buildings. Constables are different. They're trained through a mandatory Constable Academy, many bring law enforcement experience, and — critically — they answer directly to the district. That means real accountability and a safety approach built around relationships with students, not just enforcement.

The research backs this up: SROs have a negligible effect on reducing school violence, and nationally, they tend to widen discipline gaps for Black and disadvantaged students. Constables who know our schools and build trust with students create a safer, more supportive environment — without compromising safety for anyone.

Christina's students, families, and staff deserve a safety model built on accountability and community, not one where the people protecting our kids can't be held responsible to the people they serve. I'm proud of the Board for taking this step, and as your State Representative, I'll keep pushing for policies that put student wellbeing and real accountability first.