The attack highlighted for many parents and educators why more school safety agents were needed in schools. While there were typically about 5,500 agents before the coronavirus pandemic, staffing levels have diminished by about 2,000, according to Teamsters Local 237, which represents the agents.
The staffing shortages were thanks to attrition and the cancellation of a 475-person class during the spring of 2021 after advocates calling for police-free schools were outraged about the prospective hires.
Teamsters Local 237 President Greg Floyd said Garcia was the only school safety agent working at the school, which has about 560 students.
“If it wasn’t for the cuts, he would have had at least one more person there with him,” he said.
https://www.thechiefleader.com/stories/school-stabbing-renews-calls-for-more-safety-agents,44398
