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July 2013 | Volume 6 | Issue 11
Hwy 280 at the Narrows Dr. Kristy Curl, Board Certified Dermatologists
Specializing in Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology Call 877-9773 or visit www.villagedermatology.net
Safety in (the) numbers The debate on creating a greater law enforcement presence in Shelby County schools has settled on who will fund it The Safe Schools Initiative
The minds behind Cahaba Valley Honey are as in tune as the hives they care for. Find out more about this home-grown business inside.
Community page 16
Delivering smiles
Hoover Police Officer Chris Harper with Greystone Elementary students. Photo by Allie Saxon.
$1.14 million - Funds 19 School Resource Officers A joint effort by the Shelby County Board of Education and County Commission. Funds requested from multiple county stakeholders.
Communities for Safer Schools $80 per student - Funds 39 School Resource Officers A nonprofit organization that seeks community support to protect students.
Sheriff Chris Curry
$1.14 million - Funds 19 School Resource Officers Curry recommends funding the Safe Schools Initiative solely through the County Commission.
By JEFF THOMPSON
Shawn Palmer, his family and his employees are moving more than sofas. In this issue, see how they’ve helped bring joy to thousands.
Community page 18
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As multiple organizations assess the need for additional school security in Shelby County, the debate has finally centered on how to fund it. On the table right now are three ideas, but none is receiving unanimous support. Communities for Safer Schools Mike Echols knows he’s fighting an uphill battle. Following the January shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., Echols launched a campaign to put a School Resource Officer (SRO) in every school in Shelby County before the beginning of the 2013-2014 year. He formed a nonprofit organization called Communities for Safer Schools in order to reach the goal. “After Sandy Hook, I sat back and watched for a little time,” Echols said. “I know a lot of people out there are smarter than me, and I said there’s no way anyone would let this take place here.” But less than a month later, it did. In February, a 21-year-old allegedly entered Chelsea Middle School and held five female students hostage with a firearm. Thanks to the efforts of Chelsea Middle Principal William Harper and a Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputy assigned to the school, the
incident was diffused without injury. But Echols has two children in Chelsea schools, and he wasn’t willing to wait. Echols launched a nonprofit organization that would provide the public with a way to fund additional security forces. Communities for Safer Schools received its 501(c)3 status in April, and soon after Echols partnered with Regions Bank to collect donations for the organization. He received a couple right away, as well as support from the Sheriff’s office, but he said the Shelby County Commission and Shelby County Board of Education didn’t immediately attach to the plan. “I really expected them to be all over this,” Echols said. “I know as well as most,
See SAFETY| page 28
A quick look at the Safe Schools Initiative It’s a partnership among the Shelby County Board of Education, County Commission, Sheriff’s Office and all county municipalities. It would fund 19 trained officers or up to 35 retired officers to be hired to serve in county schools. Officers would serve across 10 school zones in the county and would report to municipal departments. Shelby Board of Education approved its portion of the funding in June.