Dr. April Hershey, Assistant Superintendent, contributed this article for the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators March newsletter.
At a time when trust in institutions is fragile, our work as district leaders must intentionally extend beyond school walls. Meaningful partnerships with community organizations—especially local law enforcement—create powerful opportunities for students to experience adults as protectors, mentors, and allies. When school leaders collaborate closely with partners like School Resource and Security Officers, we help humanize the badge, break down misconceptions, and model respectful, relationship-driven problem solving. These connections are essential to enhancing safety while fostering understanding, belonging, and a shared commitment to our students’ success.
As the assistant superintendent at the School District of Lancaster, it has been my honor to meet the amazing students, staff members, and citizens of our school community over the last 18 months. One of the things that stands out to me is our core commitment to student and staff health and wellness through the promotion of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We believe these are foundational to the success of every learner in our community. In our strategic plan, we promote this core value through a culture of belonging, underscoring the community’s emphasis on fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and supported, and through family and community engagement, essential to building strong partnerships with families and local organizations.
This commitment shows up in the deep and trusted relationships between our schools and the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, our School Resource Officers, and our School Security Officers. I am proud to know and serve alongside these highly-trained professionals who are dedicated to student and staff safety and well-being, and creating a learning environment where every person can learn and grow.
I was given the tremendous opportunity to participate in the LCBP Citizen’s Police Academy this fall, led by Lieutenant Todd Grager, which provided me an inside look at the inner workings of the department, and I witnessed firsthand the dedication of these local heroes who are committed to the service of their city and its residents, especially our youth.
The effectiveness of our School Resource and Security Officers is rooted in the relationships they build within our school communities. Our officers are visible, trusted, and deeply connected to students, staff, and families, and they help create a climate of safety, respect, and shared responsibility.
These relationships allow officers to identify concerns early, respond thoughtfully, and support proactive problem-solving rather than reactive discipline. A safe learning environment is not defined solely by physical security measures, but by the presence of adults who know students, understand school culture, and work collaboratively to ensure students feel supported, protected, and ready to learn.
This strong, relational partnership between schools and law enforcement professionals have been essential to establishing the conditions necessary for learning to thrive at the School District of Lancaster. It has also led to a culture where students feel safe to report issues to these trusted adults before they pose a threat to our school community.
This work reminds us that meaningful school–community partnerships don’t happen by chance—they are intentionally built, nurtured, and led. As superintendents and assistant superintendents, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to model collaboration with our community partners and to set a tone of trust, transparency, and shared purpose.
When we work closely with law enforcement and other local organizations, we help students see the adults around them as allies who care deeply about their safety, growth, and success. These relationships not only strengthen school climate and student well-being; they also reinforce a powerful message: Our communities are strongest when we stand together around our children.