SPD increased its presence outside Garfield following last June’s murder (Image: CHS)

Garfield High School is surveying student families as the district makes plans for the Seattle Police Department to assign a “School Engagement Officer” to the 23rd Ave campus.

“Garfield High School is gathering input from families to understand levels of support or opposition to the possible assignment of a School Engagement Officer (SEO) to our campus,” the survey begins. “An SEO is a uniformed law enforcement officer, similar to a School Resource Officer (SRO). SEOs may be assigned to schools to respond to emergencies, support campus safety, and build relationships with students and staff.”

Earlier this month, CHS reported here on $235 million earmarked in the proposed school levy renewal going to voters this fall for Seattle Public Schools safety investments including the possible return of police officers to Seattle campuses.

This spring, the district announced major updates to its safety and security efforts including new camera technology and protocols for entering district campus buildings, and increased security and police presence at district campuses where worries about gun violence are highest as the summer months approach.

Previously known as community resource officers, the program was dropped by the district in the summer of 2020 during the height of Black Lives Matter protests against police kilings when the board suspended a partnership with SPD that provided five armed officers with rotations and placements across Seattle’s public schools.

Superintendent Brent Jones and new district executive director for safety and security José Curiel Morelos said the district is working with the Seattle Police Department to address safety concerns including extra patrols before and after school and during lunch at high schools.

The Garfield School Engagement Officer appears to be a possible first step in the plan.

The proposal comes one year after student Amarr Murphy-Paine was shot and killed in a lunchtime altercation in the school’s parking lot. The 17-year-old’s family this month has sued the district alleging officials were negligent in their security practices at Garfield.

Garfield also has community violence intervention programs in place including a major presence from Community Passageways. CHS reported here last year on the organization’s efforts placing “violence interrupters” at the school.

The survey sent to families over the Memorial Day weekend has two primary sections. The first asks respondents at what level they agree or disagree on the value of an officer on campus while the second asks for basic demographic information about the household.

It is a hasty process. Responses are due by Wednesday. But any changes and introduction of an officer for fall will require more process including a vote by the Seattle School Board to lifts its moratorium put in place in 2020.

Meanwhile, the Seattle City Council’s Select Committee on Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy meets Thursday to discuss the legislation required to place the proposed $1.3 billion levy renewal on the fall ballot.

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