09/25/2026
For Immediate Release
Bladen County, N.C. – The Bladen County Board of Commissioners, in conjunction with Bladen
County Sheriff Jim McVicker, announces ongoing efforts to secure funding to fully support the
School Resource Officer (SRO) program in Bladen County schools.
The School Resource Officer Program is designed to promote a safe and supportive school
environment through the placement of trained and certified law enforcement officers in, or
assigned to, local schools. SROs work collaboratively with school administrators, staff, students,
families, and community partners to support school safety, prevention, emergency preparedness,
and positive relationships between students and law enforcement.
During Fiscal Year 2025-26, twelve (12) School Resource Officer (SRO) positions were funded.
During the FY 2026-27 budget process, the number of positions was reduced by one due to the
closure of one school. Funding for the remaining eleven (11) positions was included in the FY
2026-27 budget based on the continuation of existing SRO coverage. At that time, it was
understood that school system leadership would provide County leadership with information
regarding potential funding plans for the positions.
Following the County Commissioners’ adoption of the FY 2026-27 Budget and with the
Commissioners’ intent to provide East Bladen High School and West Bladen High School with
two (2) SROs, Bladen County Schools leadership indicated that funding challenges would require
the elimination of the additional high school SRO positions. Bladenboro Primary and Bladenboro
Elementary Schools share one (1) SRO position.
Due to Sheriff Jim McVicker’s ongoing relationship with the North Carolina State Bureau of
Investigation (SBI) and his initiative in beginning discussions with the SBI, a School Safety Grant
award was revised to provide funding for one of the additional School Resource Officer (SRO)
positions. Bladen County Schools is the recipient of this additional funding.
Following the September 21, 2026 meeting of the Bladen County Board of Education, and in
response to calls received from concerned citizens, County leaders became aware that the eleventh
SRO position would not be accepted by the Board of Education at this time.
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners and Sheriff Jim McVicker recognize the importance
of the School Resource Officer Program and remain committed to working collaboratively to
identify appropriate funding to support the additional SRO position.
“Our schools are an important part of our community, and we recognize the value that School
Resource Officers bring to students, teachers, staff, and families,” said Chairman Cameron McGill.
“Our goal is to work together with our school system and Sheriff McVicker to ensure that available
resources are used effectively to support the safety and well-being of our schools.”
Sheriff Jim McVicker added, “As I have always stated, the safety of our children is a top priority
for the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office and any characterization to the contrary is simply untrue.
Parents and citizens of Bladen County can rest assured that the Sheriff’s Office will continue to
provide ample security of our children.”
The County will continue discussions with the Bladen County Board of Education and other
partners regarding funding opportunities and options for supporting the SRO program. A joint
meeting of the Board of Commissioners and Board of Education will be scheduled as quickly as
possible to further discuss the SRO program.
