Adding school resource officers to every county school drew commendations from an international organization that recently accredited the Rutherford County Schools system.

The non-profit AdvancED accreditation team that evaluated Rutherford County Schools found strong safety practices in the system, reported RCS Director Don Odom. The team talked to 262 individuals including administrators, school board members, instructional staff, students, parents, and community members.

Rutherford County Commission approved funding to add SROs in every county elementary school in the 2013-2014 academic year.

In a review, AdvanED team leader Dr. Edlow Barker said the team gave universal support for the SRO program

"The review covered included questions to these individuals concerning their opinions if they thought efforts and resources were being utilized to make our schools were safe," Odom reported. "Dr. Barker reported there was a universal positive response to school safety questions, with many giving considerable credit to the SRO program. Visiting team members noted that they wished their school system and local government had the same level of commitment to safety."

Sheriff Robert Arnold said he was pleased with the report.

"Keeping our schools safe is one of the primary duties of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office," Sheriff Arnold said. "The school resource officers take their responsibilities seriously and positively represent Rutherford County."

Director Odom supports the SROs in the schools.

"The biggest concern of parents is the safety of their children -- research shows us that time and time again," Director Odom said. "So it's a great testament to our school safety efforts and the SRO program that the parents, teachers and other stakeholders interviewed by the review team gave us such high marks for providing safe school environments. The County Commission and the Sheriff's Office deserve our thanks for continuing to support the SRO program and ensuring our schools remain safe."