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Anacortes council approves one-year amendment to keep school resource officer in place
Summary
Council authorized Amendment No. 2 to the interlocal agreement with the Anacortes School District to maintain a shared school resource officer for the 2025–26 school year, with the city covering the district—s share for one year while funding sources are reassessed. Council approved the amendment by motion.
Council on Oct. 27 authorized the mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 to the interlocal cooperative agreement with the Anacortes School District (Il 265) to continue a shared school resource officer (SRO) arrangement for the 2025–26 school year.
Chief Floyd told council the district lacked funds to continue contributing its share this year and asked the city to cover the district—s portion for one school year to preserve continuity. Floyd described three categories of students who benefit from the SRO program: students whose only police contact is the SRO, students at risk of further justice involvement who can be steered toward services, and students who would otherwise experience police contact only in crises.
Councilmembers discussed funding choices for the temporary city contribution, noting the mayor—s budget referenced opioid settlement funds as one eligible source while also pointing to unspent public‑safety resources and the general fund. Several members supported retention of the position for the coming year while acknowledging the city—s broader budget constraints.
Councilmember Hubick moved the authorization, seconded by Councilmember McDougall; roll call votes were recorded and the motion carried.
Why it matters: Council and school officials said maintaining the SRO preserves established school‑safety relationships and avoids service disruption that could be difficult to reverse. Council emphasized this is a one‑year measure while the district and council assess longer‑term funding.
Implementation: Staff said any ongoing funding beyond 2025–26 would require separate budget decisions and that the city will reassess funding sources at the end of the school year.
