CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – After hearing from citizens…The Charlottesville School Board essentially tabled at least until next year a proposal for “youth resources officers” in the schools. Christine Esposito is a gifted program specialist at Upper Walker and she’s incredulous the board is considering spending money on this instead of critically needed education initiatives.
“The idea that we, either the city or the school division, would actively try to place three police officers in our buildings at a price tag of almost $600,000 is a slap in the face to every staff member who knows how desperately we need additional math and reading specialists, mental health personnel, and to keep our building subs,” said Esposito.
Charlottesville Education Association President Shannon Gilliken read their resolution opposing the YROs which you can read by clicking here.

Board Chair Lisa Larsen Torres told those who spoke they have been heard, and the board is now asking Superintendent Royal Gurley and staff to audit the current school safety model. This includes budgetary implications and the number of positions comprising the current model versus any budgetary implications to change a model. The audit includes examining programs involving CSAs, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, behavior support specialists and equity inclusion. She said they’d like any of those people to be part of any committee moving forward, along with consideration of adding community members and students.