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Levy-funded SROs: More than emergency response
School safety and security comes from more than locked doors and security cameras. The key factor is the people who work with and build relationships with students each and every day.
Our Educational Programs & Operations Levy supports over 400 staff members in positions the state underfunds or doesn't fund at all. These include teachers, paraeducators, counselors, social workers, nurses, campus safety officers, and bus drivers. It also fully supports our School Resource Officers. SROs are Pierce County Deputies who are assigned to the district. This isn’t a free service provided by the county. SROs are fully funded by our EP&O Levy.
Superintendent Brian Lowney said SROs are essential to school safety. "Our SROs serve a dual purpose that goes far beyond emergency response. They are building meaningful relationships with our students and staff, fostering trust and strengthening the fabric of our school community. Without the EP&O levy, we simply wouldn't have this vital resource."
The district's location creates some unique safety challenges. All of our schools are far from any major cities, which means longer wait times for emergency help.
"The Bethel School District is not near a city, so having assigned SROs within the district allows for quicker response times to solve problems, rather than having to wait for a deputy that's already busy with other 911 calls,” Deputy Alan Horne, an SRO in Bethel, said.
School Resource Officers do more than respond to emergencies. They work to prevent problems before they begin. That includes regular training with staff, evaluations and detailed reviews to assess our schools’ readiness and make adjustments. That way, everyone knows what to do during an emergency.
"Because we use consistent drills and feedback, our schools are some of the best prepared to respond to threats, and in many situations, are able to intervene before people can be hurt," Horne said.
"The School Resource Office position is one of the most important positions in the community,” said Deputy Justin Raplee, another SRO in Bethel. "Education and positive relationships with a struggling youth can completely change the negative direction they were going and support them on a positive path."
Deputy Carly Cappetto agreed. "These relationships give kids someone they feel comfortable turning to, whether for guidance, support, or to report something suspicious."
Election Day for our two replacement levies is February 10, 2026. You can learn more at bethelsd.org/levy.
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By Bethel School DistrictSchool safety and security comes from more than locked doors and security cameras. The key factor is the people who work with and build relationships with students each and every day.
Our Educational Programs & Operations Levy supports over 400 staff members in positions the state underfunds or doesn't fund at all. These include teachers, paraeducators, counselors, social workers, nurses, campus safety officers, and bus drivers. It also fully supports our School Resource Officers. SROs are Pierce County Deputies who are assigned to the district. This isn’t a free service provided by the county. SROs are fully funded by our EP&O Levy.
Superintendent Brian Lowney said SROs are essential to school safety. "Our SROs serve a dual purpose that goes far beyond emergency response. They are building meaningful relationships with our students and staff, fostering trust and strengthening the fabric of our school community. Without the EP&O levy, we simply wouldn't have this vital resource."
The district's location creates some unique safety challenges. All of our schools are far from any major cities, which means longer wait times for emergency help.
"The Bethel School District is not near a city, so having assigned SROs within the district allows for quicker response times to solve problems, rather than having to wait for a deputy that's already busy with other 911 calls,” Deputy Alan Horne, an SRO in Bethel, said.
School Resource Officers do more than respond to emergencies. They work to prevent problems before they begin. That includes regular training with staff, evaluations and detailed reviews to assess our schools’ readiness and make adjustments. That way, everyone knows what to do during an emergency.
"Because we use consistent drills and feedback, our schools are some of the best prepared to respond to threats, and in many situations, are able to intervene before people can be hurt," Horne said.
"The School Resource Office position is one of the most important positions in the community,” said Deputy Justin Raplee, another SRO in Bethel. "Education and positive relationships with a struggling youth can completely change the negative direction they were going and support them on a positive path."
Deputy Carly Cappetto agreed. "These relationships give kids someone they feel comfortable turning to, whether for guidance, support, or to report something suspicious."
Election Day for our two replacement levies is February 10, 2026. You can learn more at bethelsd.org/levy.