A $2.4 million state grant will put off-duty police officers on additional Marana schools, bringing dedicated law enforcement to 16 of 19 campuses by 2026-27.
Marana Unified School District (MUSD) is significantly expanding its school safety program, thanks to a $2.4 million grant from the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). The funding will place off-duty police officers on 10 additional campuses, bringing dedicated law enforcement presence to 16 of the district’s 19 K-12 schools starting in the 2026-27 school year.
The expansion builds on a partnership of more than a decade with the Town of Marana, the Marana Police Department (MPD), and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Over that time, the ADE School Safety Program has provided over $5 million for school resource officers (SROs), counselors, and social workers.
For the upcoming school year, the grant continues funding for SROs at Marana High, Marana Middle, Tortolita Middle, and Mountain View High School, as well as school counselors at Estes Elementary, Gladden Farms Elementary, Picture Rocks Elementary, and Mountain View High School. New this year, the program will place School Safety Officers (SSOs) at campuses that have not previously had a law enforcement presence:
- Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary School
- Roadrunner Elementary School (funded for three years)
The grant also provides three years of funding for SSOs at Twin Peaks K-8 and Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8, continuing their existing police presence.
Across Arizona, there is a shortage of officers available for full-time SRO assignments. ADE created the SSO model through Off Duty Management (ODM) to allow certified Arizona police officers to serve schools during the instructional day. While SROs are assigned to the same school every day, SSOs may rotate based on officer availability. Both roles provide a police presence on campus, but SSOs offer flexibility in a tight labor market.
Teachers and administrators describe SSOs and SROs as trusted mentors who work alongside school staff to support student success. They build positive relationships with students and families while providing education on internet safety, bullying prevention, conflict resolution, substance abuse prevention, and responsible decision-making.
“Our district has a strong reputation of working collaboratively with local law enforcement and the Town of Marana to ensure the safety of our students and staff. This is another effort that will significantly enhance our efforts,” said Josh Bayne, Executive Director of Educational Services.
Nikki Simpson, Associate Principal at Twin Peaks K-8, echoed that sentiment. “SSOs have been an integral part of our school team. They not only provide an additional layer of safety on our campus, but they are also a friendly adult who connects with our students, and supports staff during busy times including drop-off, pick-up, recess, and lunch. Officers regularly speak and connect with many students, with the ability to also helpfully guide them through tougher life situations.”
Bayne added that the investment strengthens MUSD’s commitment to creating welcoming campuses where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn. “The ADE School Safety Program grant will substantially increase the presence of law enforcement on MUSD campuses and is a great step toward full coverage of all campuses.”
For Marana families, the expansion means more visible law enforcement at elementary and middle schools, a move that district officials say enhances both security and the supportive environment that helps students thrive.