School Operations Budget Reflects Continued Investment in School Safety

During Fiscal Year 2026, the School Operations Section and its School Resource Officers continued to provide comprehensive safety and security services throughout the Hernando County School District. During this period, SROs made 31 arrests and completed more than 3,800 reports and supplements, including investigations into more than 300 threats.

Beyond their traditional law enforcement responsibilities, SROs remained actively engaged with students and school communities. They taught Know the Law classes, participated in safety patrols, supported Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs by serving as rewards for positive student behavior, and volunteered as coaches for middle and high school athletic teams. These efforts allow SROs to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families while becoming trusted and visible members of each school community.

SROs are also an integral part of the school threat assessment team, working closely with school administrators and other law enforcement units to ensure concerns are thoroughly evaluated, appropriate action is taken, and potential threats are addressed before they can impact the safety of students and staff.

The School Operations Section had operating expenses of $2,376 and personnel costs of $3,878,834. The Hernando County School District reimbursed the Board of County Commissioners $3,146,026, helping offset the cost of providing an SRO at every public school, along with two float SROs, one gun dog, and three supervisors.

In addition to their regular school assignments, SROs worked more than 3,000 patrol hours on their days off and during the summer, conducted four ROAR summer camps, provided coverage at the five summer school locations, and completed extensive training. Training topics included active shooter fundamentals and scenarios, tactical medicine, UCF RESTORES Youth Mental Health First Aid, FDLE’s Basic SRO Course, and the Florida Association of School Resource Officers Conference.

The section also has a dedicated group of 10 instructors who provide training to SROs and school guardians in firearms, Taser, first aid, tactical medicine, defensive tactics, and a variety of mental health topics. These instructors play an important role in maintaining a highly trained and prepared SRO team and are also instrumental in teaching the month-long Guardian Academy.

Through their continued training, student engagement, community involvement, and commitment to school safety, the School Operations Section continues to strengthen its partnerships with the Hernando County School District and provide a positive and lasting impact on the schools and students it serves.