Grand Forks County commissioners on Aug. 5 approved several staffing and training measures aimed at bolstering jail operations and youth services.

The board approved sending a promoted corporal from the correctional center to the Peace Officer Academy, which begins Sept. 2, to help arm and professionalize the jail transport team. Sheriff Jared Schneider said the academy has offered a 50% tuition reduction to the county and that state “blue grant” funding for retention and training may cover the cost; the academy’s fee was reported at $3,000 per student (approximately $1,500 after the discount). “The long game is to have our transport team all armed police officers,” the sheriff said.

Commissioners also approved adding an administrative assistant/office coordinator position to the jail budget. County staff and the sheriff described the role as absorbing payroll, billing, recordkeeping and other administrative duties that now fall across several corrections staff and the sheriff’s office; the position would supervise three administrative employees currently supporting jail operations.

In a separate action, the commission approved reclassifying the Youth Assessment Center (YAC) administrator position from grade 19 to grade 21 effective 2026, reflecting increased responsibilities for intake, policy, independent decision‑making and program management. The new grade corresponds to a projected annual salary of about $117,547.

Why this matters: The academy training and reclassification are intended to improve officer qualifications, bolster transport security and create clearer administrative capacity at the jail. County staff said they will seek to use state grant funds to reduce county cost exposure.

Outcome: All three measures were approved by the board in individual motions; funding for the academy was to be pursued through expected state grant disbursement or county finance arrangements.