During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the role and impact of School Resource Officers (SROs) in local schools. Currently, there are two full-time SROs stationed at the high school and middle school, one split between Bogan and Marshall, and a halftime officer at Kramer. Plans for the next school year include reinstating a full-time resource officer in each building.

The SROs are not involved in student discipline or decision-making but are available to assist staff and students as needed. Data presented revealed that there were no student arrests or citations at Bogan and Marshall, with only one parent charged for telecommunications harassment. Similarly, the SROs at Kramer and the high school reported zero student charges, although the middle school had eight student charges, including one related to a bus incident.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential for criminalizing student behavior with the presence of SROs. One board member reflected on their own experiences in schools without SROs, emphasizing that many conflicts were resolved without arrests. The discussion highlighted a balance between ensuring safety and avoiding the criminalization of youthful mistakes.

The meeting also briefly addressed a fire alarm incident, which was confirmed to be a false alarm, showcasing the effectiveness of the fire safety systems in place. The conversation will continue as the board evaluates the role of SROs in fostering a safe educational environment while considering the implications of their presence on student behavior.