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The Town of White Pine and Lakeway Christian Schools have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to hire a full-time school resource officer for Lakeway Christian Academy.

Although this is a new position at LCS, this is not a new partnership as the Town and LCS have worked well together since the school opened. The agreement solidifies that the safety and security of all students, faculty and staff at Lakeway Christian Academy is of utmost importance.

“We want to emphasize student safety, and this was just the right move,” said White Pine’s Chief of Police Chad Cotter. “We have built a great relationship with leadership at Lakeway, and our number one priority is to keep students and staff safe. We also want to develop a partnership with the families, working together for the best interest of students and the community.”

The SRO will work closely with school administrators and local law enforcement agencies to strengthen the implementation of safety plans and emergency procedures.

In addition to administrative support, the officer will also serve as a mentor and role model for students, promoting positive relationships and implementing activities and programs.

The school is confident that the new school resource officer will play a critical role in ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for everyone at LCA, according to Lakeway Head of Schools Dr. Kevin Cline.

“We are thrilled to further our partnership with the White Pine Police Department. Student safety is the priority of Lakeway Christian Schools. We want to thank Chief Cotter, White Pine City Council, and Mayor Fred Taylor,” said Cline.

Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation in May to strengthen safety at private and public schools. Taking part in that legislation is Tennessee State Rep. Jeremy Faison.

“Children are a heritage of the Lord and our most valued treasures. Their safety and their future should be our top priority. I was glad to pass this legislation on behalf of Lakeway and any other private schools,” said Faison.

Before the agreement, Lakeway Christian Schools staffed a full-time security officer.

The MOU was signed on Thursday, July 20, and Officer Sims will be joining the team at Lakeway in August.

Lakeway Christian Schools is an East Tennessee private Christian school system with campuses in White Pine, Morristown, Blountville, and a new campus being built in Kingsport.

Lakeway Christian Schools’ goal is to partner with families to provide a Christ-centered and academically challenging education, equipping students with a biblical worldview and a heart for Christ, that they may grow in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man.