Keller ISD board renews Fort Worth SRO agreement; district to pay about $1.49 million for 12 officers

The Keller Independent School District board voted unanimously Oct. 23 to renew an interlocal agreement with the City of Fort Worth to provide 12 school resource officers (SROs) for the 2025–26 school year. The total cost to the district for the year is $1,489,735.96, an increase of roughly $70,000 — about 4.7% — over last year, administration said.

The district’s safety and security director, Michael Hoffman, told trustees that Fort Worth’s collective-bargaining adjustments were the main driver of the higher bill and that Fort Worth bundles officer pay with a command structure, equipment and program supports that make per‑officer costs higher than some neighboring municipalities. Under the arrangement, two officers will be assigned at each of the three high schools and single officers will serve assigned middle schools; a twelfth officer serves as a mobile responder.

Board members acknowledged the program’s value for campus safety but questioned the cost. Several trustees urged outreach to Fort Worth elected officials to discuss options for lowering the district’s share; administrators said they will begin those conversations. Administrators also provided a spreadsheet showing a 50% cost share per Fort Worth officer of approximately $88,763.37 before command‑staff and program overhead, and a combined estimated cost per officer of roughly $119,040.47 when the program’s command structure and other charges are included.

The board approved the agreement 7–0. Trustees said they value SRO presence but want to explore ways to reduce future expenses — including cross‑district discussions and alternate staffing models — without removing coverage.

What’s next: Administration will follow up with Fort Worth and other municipal partners about possible cost relief and report back to the board.