Unfortunately, Columbine and many more school shootings brought forth a public outcry. I can think of no better way to spend our tax money than to station a Peace Officer at schools with our kids. Yes, I grew up in the era of pops or D-halls for misbehavior. Times change and certain offenses require the police to get involved.
It still is the land of the free, but disrupt the learning environment by popping gum and you could face criminal responsibility. School isn't a free for all social event. Schools are supposed to be structured to insure a good learning environment for all.

Yes I agree that the majority of discipline issues should be handled in-house by teachers and school administrators.
The city I was a school cop in had just enacted this new SRO program in 2000. For a few years school administrators and officers on campus learned from each other. It took a few years to hone this new partnership.

I wholeheartedly believe it's good for kids to learn what's expected of them in society. Often times these kids are slapped on the wrist for misbehaving. Later as adults reality kicks in.
I'd rather they learn while attending school Vs. later in life when arrest really haunt you for the duration of your life as an adult.
Bottom line; I don't see Cops on campuses changing anytime soon, if ever.

Yip, I grew-up never see'n offiers in the school house till racial volience started after Civil Rights stuff was passed by president Johnson. And then we had to start watch'n our backs. Yeah that's long forgot in history...