RUNNING HEAD: COMMUNICATION AUDIT PROPOSAL
Communication Audit Proposal:
Parkland High School
Demarkus English
University of Wisconsin – Platteville
Author’s Note:
Prepared for Organization Communication MEDIA 7330 at the University of Wisconsin-
Platteville, Spring 2018
RUNNING HEAD: COMMUNICATION AUDIT PROPOSAL
MEMO
May 2nd, 2018
TO: Superintendent, Richard T. Sniscak
FROM: Demarkus English
SUBJECT: Funding 2 additional Resource Officers in Parkland High School
The goal of this audit plan will be to determine how the communication can be collected and
analyzed and let the results from that determine the funding needed for more resource officers
in Parkland High School in Florida.
More funding would help hire more resource officers, for a shorter response time in case of
another school shooting or a different crisis. It will require an increase in the school district
budget, but without getting rid of any school programs.
To date, there has been no plan implemented to increase the number of resource officers for
the Parkland School district. Students and faculty were encouraged to complete a survey on
their thoughts of bringing in additional resource officers. The rate of participation is high with
students and faculty. They are going beyond the survey but hosting protests and school walk
outs to make their voice heard.
To increase participation, I recommend offering resource officers a 10% increase from the
normal salary of $58,103 (simplyhired.com). It’s proven that we have more school shootings
than we have ever had in this country. The funds should be taken from the money the NRA
fundraised for Parkland High School after the shooting. As of March, the NRA raised $2.4 million
the most they have raised in 18 years. With the 10% increase in Resource Officers salaries
making it $63,913 per year. The school had 2 resource officers at $116,206 per year on their
salaries. After adding 2 additional resource officers to make it 4 in total and with the updated
salary it would cost the school $255,652 per year. They could keep all 4 resource officers on
staff for 9 years before the grant money would run out. Of course, 4 resource officers will not
be needed for 9 years, but for the next 4-5 years it’s apparent they bring on these 2 additional
officers to make sure these students that were there for the shooting feel protected while they
are still in high school for the next 1-4 years.
Please contact via email (englishde@uwplatt.edu) or phone (815-997-8007) if you have any
questions and when you have made a decision about this proposal.
RUNNING HEAD: COMMUNICATION AUDIT PROPOSAL
Overview:
In this audit plan I’m going to identify the lack of communication which occurred during an
active shooter crisis at Parkland High School in Florida. While the situation was still active, the
resource officer was lacking effective communication which led him to perform his duty poorly.
My goal is to provide the evidence that shows lack of communication in this crisis situation,
what could be improved, and to provide a plan to better handle a crisis situation like this is the
future.
I. Memo Cover Page
II. Purpose and Focus
a. How to have effective communication with resource officers during an active
shooter situation to ensure the safety of students and school officials.
III. Objectives
a. Recognize the breakdown in communication with the resource officer during the
active shooter crisis.
