Recently, claims have been made regarding the hiring and support of Retired Police Officers (RPOs) in our schools, with suggestions that this initiative has been championed by Donna Carey since 2012. While we fully agree that the safety of our students and staff is paramount, it’s important to correct some misrepresentations and clarify the facts.
1. A Late Arrival to the Discussion on School Safety
It’s important to note that while Donna Carey claims to have championed school safety since 2012, her actual involvement at that time was limited to sending an email to a legislator the day after the Sandy Hook tragedy, before she was a member of the Board of Education. The response she received was a canned reply, and there was no further action from her on this matter until she voted to approve the positions along with everyone else, then when the time came to fund the positions in the budget she voted no.
While sending an email is commendable, it does not constitute the sustained, active involvement that true leadership demands regarding school safety.
2. Voting Records Show a Different Story
Carey’s claim that she fully supported the hiring of Retired Police Officers contradicts the public voting record. In fact, when the time came to vote on the budget that included funding for RPOs, Carey voted against it.
The budget presentation from the Superintendent, which detailed the changes, included these details:
Our team, on the other hand, has consistently supported the hiring and funding of RPOs, ensuring that our schools remain safe, secure environments for our children. This is reflected in the minutes from board meetings where the decisions on school security were made.
3. Real Leadership on School Security
While others may claim to support school safety, real leadership requires action, not just words or a single email sent more than a decade ago. Our team has worked tirelessly to make sure that not only are Retired Police Officers present in our schools, but that school security is a comprehensive, ongoing priority.
We’ve implemented a range of measures that are not always visible to the public but are vital to keeping our students and staff safe. From RPOs to additional physical security improvements, we have taken a proactive approach to protecting our schools, not just making statements after the fact.
4. The Role of RPOs in Our Schools
We agree that Retired Police Officers play an important role in fostering positive relationships with students, in addition to providing security. This is why we have made sure to prioritize their presence in our schools, working closely with local law enforcement to ensure that these officers are well-integrated into the school environment.
However, this important initiative has been driven by our leadership, and the record shows that Carey did not consistently support the funding necessary to make this program successful.
The Bottom Line: Real Results, Not Empty Claims
While we respect and honor all First Responders, including our Retired Police Officers, it’s important that the community understands the full picture. Sending a single email in 2012 does not equate to championing a cause, and voting against critical funding does not demonstrate true support.
We have consistently worked to prioritize school security, make tough decisions, and ensure that the right resources are in place to keep our children safe. Our actions speak louder than words.
If you want leadership that truly delivers results for Hardyston’s schools, vote for Hoffman, Van Ginneken & Altieri—the team that has proven its commitment to student safety and responsible governance.