The Alexandria City School Board unanimously approved an amended memorandum of understanding with the Alexandria Police Department last Thursday (May 7) to provide school resource officers at the city’s high school and two middle schools.
The previous MOU between ACPS and APD, approved in June 2023, was set to expire June 30. The school system continued using the 2023–2025 MOU, which was extended several times while the new agreement was being revised. The updated MOU was approved without discussion and now goes to City Council for approval.
The new MOU removes a proposal that would have designated SROs as school officials, which would have allowed them to access student records. It also clarifies that parental consent is required for police questioning of students in non-urgent circumstances.
Another change outlines principals’ obligation to notify police of alcohol and drug crimes that could constitute felonies, which is mandatory reporting under Virginia law.
The document also states that SROs and ACPS staff will not engage in activity that interrupts students’ free public education or participation in any program or activity solely on the basis of actual or perceived immigration status.
City Council will hold a public hearing on the agreement Tuesday, June 30, according to ACPS.
