Yancey County Schools is pleased to announce that the district has been awarded a $192,000 grant from the North Carolina Center for Safer Schools to support five School Resource Officer (SRO) positions across the district. 

The grant represents a significant investment in the safety and well-being of Yancey County students and staff. Funding will support SRO coverage for the district’s elementary and middle schools, serving approximately 1,450 students in PreK through 8th grade. 

“We are extremely grateful to the North Carolina Center for Safer Schools for this important investment in Yancey County Schools,” said Dr. Heather M. Cox, Assistant Superintendent. “Our students and staff deserve safe, secure learning environments, and our School Resource Officers play an important role in creating those environments while building positive relationships with students, staff, families, and our community.”

SROs provide an important layer of support within Yancey County Schools. In addition to responding to safety and security concerns, SROs assist with emergency preparedness and response, develop positive relationships with students, support school staff, and serve as a connection between schools and local law enforcement.

The five funded positions will provide dedicated support across the district’s three elementary schools and two middle schools. Having SROs assigned to these schools allows the district to strengthen its overall school safety efforts while supporting a positive school climate and maintaining a focus on teaching and learning.

Yancey County Schools is committed to providing students with safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments. The district recognizes that school safety is a shared responsibility and values its continued partnerships with Sheriff Shane Hilliard and his department.

“This grant is an important step in strengthening our school safety efforts,” Sheriff Hilliard said. “We are proud to invest in our students and grateful for the partnerships that help us ensure our schools remain places where children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.”