In wake of Texas school shooting, could Onslow veterans help schools improve safety?

In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Onslow officials are working together to ensure school safety in the county.

Onslow residents, however, may have an idea that could help. Many have suggested military veterans volunteer in the district to help with safety. Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller said it's something they've thought about.

"It is feasible, but it is a decision that has to be made by the school system," Miller said. "Those individuals that want to volunteer on the campuses, first of all, they have to be vetted, they have to be well-known, and they have to be trained to work in coordination with the school staff and also with the school resource officers.

"So, basically, eyes and ears."

Previous coverage: After gun confiscated at Onslow school, system responds to concerns amid recent violence

Jacksonville Police Chief Mike Yaniero also said they'd welcome any veterans who wish to volunteer to help make Onslow schools safe, adding the department is deeply appreciative of the contribution veterans have made to our community and country.

"Many veterans can contribute in many ways," Yaniero said. "Our schools are in desperate need of mentors, and veterans are well disciplined and have excellent leadership skills. Many have served as military police officers, and with additional training can serve as reserve officers."

Yaniero said those interested in volunteering can contact JPD's Community Service Division.

As for what the school district thinks on the matter, Onslow County Schools Chief Communications Officer Brent Anderson said they encourage veterans to volunteer.

"With over 27,000 students, we always have a need for volunteers to assist our teachers," Anderson said. "We would encourage our veterans, or other individuals in the community who wish to get involved, to work within the district’s established volunteer approval procedures – which includes a criminal background check."

He added OCS appreciates the sacrifice veterans have made, and thanks them for their service, though added the Jacksonville Police Department and Onslow County Sheriff's Office are the best trained to be the schools' first responders.

"We are proud of our close partnerships with the Jacksonville Police Department and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, both of which have been extremely supportive of the district’s safety efforts and feel they are the best trained to be our first responders for school security," Anderson said.

Miller said if the district were to decide they'd like to bring on more veteran volunteers, he'd be willing to help train and vet those individuals.

He added they want people to set the example, just like the school resource officers do.

"I think our generation of kids coming up need good examples, good adult examples, and typically, that's what we tell our school resource officers, be a good example to the kids, be approachable, be friendly, but also be firm and professional," Miller said.

He added the school district actually asked for additional school resource officers, which the sheriff's department budgeted for this year.

Anderson said that in addition to volunteers, OCS has a wide range of employment opportunities available, including bus drivers, teacher assistants, custodians, and more.

More: As bus driver shortage plagues Onslow County Schools, former drivers speak out

"Our next bus driver training class runs from June 27-30," Anderson said. "Anyone interested in being a part of this session needs to register with the OCS Transportation Department at 910-455-5037 by June 17."

A complete list of available job openings can be found on the district website.

Regardless of whether or not veterans become a staple for safety in Onslow County Schools, the district released a joint statement last week with the Jacksonville Police Department and Onslow County Sheriff's Office to ensure the community of what they're doing to keep students safe.

"Teachers cannot teach effectively if they do not feel safe," the release said. "Students cannot learn if they are constantly worried about their safety. Parents will not feel comfortable sending their children to school if they are concerned about whether they will come home safely at the the end of the day."

The release added that every school has a safety plan customized for the unique needs of each campus, and involves training on specific practices for students and staff, which includes regular drills conducted on each campus.

The release said Onslow County Schools has also increased physical security, such as swipe card access for staff entry and doorbell systems for visitors. Visitors have to sign in with an ID which provides an instant background check and detailed record of all those coming on campus.

In addition, the release said the district also utilizes the Say Something Anonymous Reporting system, which allows reporting of incidents, or threats of potential incidents, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with a live response and notification of district and school teams for immediate follow-up.

A districtwide mental health plan is also something the district has worked on.

"We will continue to work closely with these organizations and will explore every option and consider every possibility to make our campuses even safer," said OCS Superintendent Barry Collins in the release. "Being a father myself, I understand the pain those who lost children in Uvalde are feeling and the concerns here which come in the wake of such a tragedy."

The Jacksonville Police Department also has threat assessment teams, and the Onslow County Sheriff's Office has asked their officers to increase visibility on school campuses across the board.

"We put the word out to our regular zone patrol officers yesterday to encourage them to visit any school in their regular patrol zone, park their marked patrol vehicle in front of the school, check in at the front office, and if calls for service allow, walk the campuses with staff or the assigned SRO," Miller said in the release.

Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Onslow looks to continue to improve school safety