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Liberty County board approves expansion of SRO program to all schools, approves $1.92 million budget
Summary
The Liberty County Board of Education voted to expand its School Resource Officer program to cover all elementary schools and add officers at Bradwell Institute and Liberty County High School; the FY26 program budget is $1,922,600 funded by a Georgia Department of Education security grant and district operating funds.
The Liberty County Board of Education voted to expand its School Resource Officer (SRO) program to place officers at all elementary schools and add one SRO at Bradwell Institute and one additional SRO at Liberty County High School.
Doctor Barber, presenting the FY26 memorandum of understanding, said the approved FY26 staffing plan increases SRO coverage from the district's current six officers to provide dedicated coverage across all school levels and to add supervisory capacity through an existing lieutenant and sergeant. He told the board the approved FY26 cost for the SRO program is $1,922,600.
Barber said funding for the program comes from a Georgia Department of Education security grant of $540,000 and the Liberty County School System's operating account of $1,382,600. He also said the sheriff's office may allocate up to 20% of red speed-camera equipment purchases to support the program in the form of equipment or services rather than direct cash transfers.
Board members asked detailed questions about staffing distribution, enforcement coverage, vehicle ownership and equipment. Barber said the vehicles and equipment purchased through the agreement belong to the Liberty County School System and would remain district property if the partnership ended. He explained the additional officers are intended as a starting point for this budget year and that supervisory officers can be reallocated rapidly as needs arise.
Several board members pressed administration on the scope and prior-year comparison of costs. One board member said a $2,000,000 figure "seemed crazy" and questioned whether the district had received a full breakdown of equipment, benefits and salary costs; Barber said a detailed budget worksheet had been provided and included items ranging from hosts and benefits to cars. Another member asked whether the sheriff's department would continue to supply an officer at Liberty Elementary; Barber confirmed Liberty Elementary will retain a permanent officer provided through the sheriff's office.
The motion to approve the FY26 SRO MOU was moved and seconded. During the roll call the board recorded one opposition by Dr. Scott; the motion carried and the MOU was approved.
Next steps: administration will finalize contract documents and budget amendments as required by the approved MOU.
