School Board discusses Student Resource Officer's impact on safety and belonging

During the Stoughton Area School District's recent board meeting on June 2, 2025, discussions centered around the ongoing evaluation of student services and the potential reintroduction of a School Resource Officer (SRO) in schools. The meeting highlighted the district's commitment to enhancing student safety and well-being, particularly in response to feedback from staff and students gathered through surveys.

The district has made strides in improving mental health support by ensuring that every school now has counselors and school psychologists. However, the need for additional support, particularly in the form of an SRO, has been a recurring topic over the past two years. The board acknowledged that this issue had been discussed in committee but felt it was time for a broader conversation among all board members.

Data presented at the meeting included historical records of police involvement in school incidents, which are categorized into calls for service and behavioral incidents. The board expressed a desire to track the effectiveness of an SRO if reinstated, with plans for the officer to report regularly on their activities and interactions within the schools.

A significant focus of the discussion was on measuring students' sense of belonging and safety in the school environment. The board aims to assess how the presence of an SRO might influence students' feelings of safety and trust in adults at school. This evaluation will be tied to survey questions regarding students' perceptions of safety and support.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the implications of reintroducing an SRO and to develop a framework for assessing its impact on student well-being. The board's proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to fostering a safe and supportive educational environment for all students.