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Carbondale approves school resource officer agreement with Roaring Fork RE‑1; district increases contribution
Summary
The Town of Carbondale unanimously approved an updated School Resource Officer agreement with Roaring Fork RE‑1, with the district increasing its contribution this year to roughly $61,000 toward an approximately $100,000 SRO salary.
The Town of Carbondale unanimously approved an updated School Resource Officer agreement with Roaring Fork RE‑1 during its meeting, extending the town’s partnership with the district and accepting an increased district contribution for the 2025–26 year.
Interim Town Manager Kevin explained the agreement and the program’s function before the trustees. He said the district’s contribution rose by about $12,000 from past years and that the district now covers roughly $61,000 of a roughly $100,000 SRO salary. "Their goal is to, eventually cover 75% of the SRO salary," Kevin said, adding that the district is pursuing a grant that could change the contribution amount.
Why it matters: trustees and staff framed the SRO as a school-based policing model that emphasizes student trust-building and early connection to services. Kevin described the role as more than enforcement: "They have an office in the school. They're available to staff, to parents, to students, and they work with kids, on a number of issues," he said. Staff and trustees said the town will continue to prioritize the program even if the district’s pending grant application changes the district share.
Trustees asked for timing on the district’s grant, and Kevin said he would follow up; the district’s additional payment is contingent on the outcome of that grant application. Trustee Jess moved to approve the agreement and changed the signature line to the mayor pro tem, and Trustee Colin seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Program details discussed in public session included the SRO’s coverage of all six local schools, including charter schools, and the officer’s role connecting students with mental-health resources and other community services. Kevin emphasized the program’s impact on vulnerable students and said Sergeant Lazo and Officer Arthur Fields have been central to building the program’s rapport with students.
Formal action: Motion to approve the attached agreement between Roaring Fork School District RE‑1 and the Town of Carbondale for the SRO position, changed to have the mayor pro tem sign, passed unanimously.
