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Board approves a one-year, sales-tax-funded SRO position at Cornerstone Elementary
Summary
Board approved adding a fourth school resource officer (SRO) to be based at Cornerstone Elementary and the Early Childhood Center for the 2025-26 school year; funding will come solely from a public safety sales tax for that year and continuation beyond 2025-26 is not guaranteed.
The Excelsior Springs School Board approved a one-year expansion of school resource officer coverage, authorizing a fourth SRO to be based at Cornerstone Elementary and the Early Childhood Center for the 2025-26 school year.
Why this matters: The additional SRO increases on-site public-safety presence for younger students and the early childhood center. The funding for this position is designated from the public safety sales tax for one year only; the district and police department said continuation after 2025-26 would require a new funding decision.
Deputy or district staff explained the position will be provided in partnership with the Excelsior Springs Police Department; unlike the current three SROs, the new position is paid 100% from public safety sales tax proceeds for 2025-26. Police department leaders told the board they can staff the position for next school year without adding department headcount, but the arrangement was described as year-specific.
Board members expressed support but raised questions about long-term funding. One board member noted the political and public-relations implications of adding a safety position for a single year and then removing it if ongoing funding is not secured.
Action: The motion to add the SRO was moved by Jill, seconded by Darren, and approved 6-0.
Next steps: District and police officials said they will explore funding options for subsequent years and will return to the board with recommendations if continued funding is available.
