Canyon ISD renews SRO agreements; district reports 16–17 officers and gaps on three campuses

The Canyon ISD Board of Directors on Oct. 20 authorized continuation of cooperative agreements that fund and place school resource officers (SROs) from three local law enforcement partners. The district contracts with the Canyon Police Department, Amarillo Police Department and the Randall County Sheriff’s Office to place sworn officers on campuses during school hours; the officers remain employees of their agencies.

District staff told the board the district has 16 sworn SROs on assignment and said a 17th position was offered to a Randall County sheriff’s deputy who is expected to begin in the coming months. Staff noted that, even with the additional officer, three campuses would lack a single assigned officer and that some officers split time across campuses.

Under the cooperative arrangements, the district pays a portion of salary, benefits, equipment and vehicle costs for each SRO. The contracts specify officers remain employees of the partnering agencies but serve the district during school‑assigned hours. The board approved continuation of these cooperative agreements by formal vote, authorizing staff to finalize agreements for the 2025–26 school year.

Board members asked about coverage and transition plans; staff said they will continue recruitment and placement efforts to reach full campus coverage where feasible and will present staffing updates to the board.