In recent weeks, new County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean has been making the rounds to get to know OCDE’s community partners. On Friday, July 19, school safety was top of mind as he attended an active shooter training event organized by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The session was part of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s School Resource Officer program. Hosted at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in collaboration with the city of Rancho Santa Margarita, the event saw participation from a dozen Orange County law enforcement agencies and representatives from 20 school districts.
School resource officers are typically experienced law enforcement officers who are assigned to work on school campuses. They undergo regular training to keep up to date on state laws, school trends and tactical approaches, ensuring they’re well-prepared to protect students and staff.
“OCDE and the Orange County Sheriff Department have a strong history of collaboration and share a vision for creating safe and supportive school environments,” Dr. Bean said afterward. “The SRO program is essential for building trust with our youth and proactively addressing issues before they escalate. We are grateful for their dedication in holding this training for the past five years and to the city of Rancho Santa Margarita for their support.”
Approximately 10,000 students attend both private and public schools in Rancho Santa Margarita, which is served by the Capistrano and Saddleback Valley unified school districts.