Verona board approves School Resource Officer contract with BPD after weeks of public discussion

The Verona Area School District Board of Education voted to approve a contract with the BPD to station a School Resource Officer in district schools beginning next school year.

Supporters and district leaders said the contract grew from months of community discussion. The board moved, Meredith made the motion and Christopher seconded; the motion carried after a voice vote and the contract was announced as approved.

District and BPD speakers framed the agreement as a partnership focused on relationship building, limited law-enforcement involvement in noncriminal matters, and an emphasis on students’ safety and well-being. A BPD representative told the board, “we will not participate in anything that they're involved with” when asked about cooperating with ICE operations, and added that “if it's a criminal investigation... they will get arrested.”

Why it matters: The vote formalizes a district relationship with local police after several public conversations. Board members sought specifics on how the SRO would be hired and integrated, and BPD representatives described a phased plan to have candidates spend time in schools before assignment so students and staff could build familiarity.

Board questions and BPD answers: Board members pressed BPD staff on definitions and on-the-ground practice. A BPD speaker said minor student incidents—“pushing and shoving and even perhaps the exchange of, you know, blows” where no one is hurt—would typically be handled by school staff rather than result in criminal citations, while injuries, major property damage or formal complaints would prompt police investigation. The district and BPD said they planned a measured approach: school administrators would triage incidents and involve the SRO as needed.

On hiring: BPD told the board three officers had expressed interest. The timeline described to the board called for posting the position, confirming interest, and allowing candidates time in schools (March–May) before a final selection so both officers and school staff could evaluate fit. BPD cautioned scheduling and staffing constraints but said the department would work to provide exposure time for candidates and collaborate on selection.

Community concerns and outreach: Board members acknowledged some parents’ discomfort with police in schools and noted outreach efforts. One BPD speaker invited families who mistrust police to visit the department and meet staff in order to understand department practices.

Formal action: The motion to approve the proposed SRO contract with BPD was made by Meredith and seconded by Christopher; the board voted in favor and the contract was approved.

What’s next: The district and BPD described a near-term onboarding plan for interested officers and said staff would continue community engagement and joint planning with school administrators.