DeSoto County Schools warn drivers to slow down now that school back in session

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Schools in DeSoto County are warning drivers to slow down now that school is back in session.

School zones across the county are set out to remind everyone that students are walking, and your speed should be lower than 20 mph.

DeSoto County Lt. Antone Curtis believes everyone is going to need patience. “We don’t want them to get hit. Make sure you are paying attention. Get off those mobile devices and be aware of your surroundings.”

Not only is DeSoto County ensuring students are safe in school zones, but they are focusing on in-school safety as well.

In June the school board approved adding seven additional school resource officers this year. Every middle and high school will have two resource officers. All elementary schools, except Center Hill Elementary, will have one resource officer.

“The only reason we have two officers is because the response time of a deputy that’s out on the road would be prolonged,” said Curtis.

Principal Kristy Hale says the resource officers are a great addition. “They form those positive relationships with students and help give them strategies on how to handle hardships maybe at home or with their friends here in school.”

Parents couldn’t agree more. “Security presence is needed in all schools, so I think it is an awesome new policy and procedure,” said Quersten Green, mother of Camden Green, a Kindergartner at Center Hill.

The students, however, are thrilled about other things. “I am most excited about meeting my friends,” said Camden.

DeSoto County is also cracking down on parents forgoing documents so their kids can attend their schools.

Now in effect this year,  if you are caught falsifying documents, you can be fined up to $500 and potentially face up to six months in jail.

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