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Board approves one‑year SRO funded by public‑safety sales tax; continuation will require budget action
Summary
The board approved adding a fourth school resource officer for the 2526 year, to be 100% funded by the public‑safety sales tax for that year only; board members expressed concern about messaging and the need to identify long‑term funding if the position is to continue.
The Excelsior Springs School Board unanimously approved adding a fourth school resource officer (SRO) for the 2526 school year, to be based at Cornerstone Elementary and the Early Childhood Center.
Mr. Gilkey told the board the position would be fully funded for 2526 by the public‑safety sales tax and that the funding "is designated for the 2526 school year only without intention to renew," noting continuation into 2627 would require adding the position to the district budget and revising the memorandum of understanding with the police department.
A board member said she supported the one‑year decision for student safety but raised concerns that ending the funding next year could signal the district was removing safety resources. Mr. Gilkey said he would work with the funding committee to seek options for continuing the position if possible, but emphasized that nothing beyond the one‑year funding was guaranteed.
The board approved the motion 6–0.
The district noted the police department can staff the additional position for 2526 without adding department headcount and that long‑term staffing would depend on future budget decisions and possible MOU changes.
