Residents press council for transparency as talks continue on possible school resource officer

A litany of public concern and council clarification unfolded Jan. 7 when resident Jim Smith questioned how discussions between Lititz Borough and the school district over a possible school resource officer (SRO) were being handled.

Jim Smith, identifying himself from 511 South Cedar, said the process felt "nontransparent" and asked how and when residents would be informed if a decision were reached. “It just seems nontransparent…we don't really have a feel,” Smith said, adding questions about long‑term costs such as pension and hiring.

Mayor (unnamed) and council members responded that the school district first requested an SRO about a year earlier and that follow‑up meetings have taken place to determine needs and funding. Council members emphasized that no commitment has been made by borough council and that the budget entry noted in coverage included only a half‑year expense and assumed matching revenues from partners. One council member said, "There has been no commitment on the part of council that Lititz Borough residents will assume the responsibility for this."

Council urged residents to attend school board meetings for full context and said that, if the school district returns with a proposal that includes acceptable funding arrangements, a draft agreement would be brought to council for public deliberation. Council repeatedly cautioned against conducting deliberations now because the item was not on the published agenda.

Next steps: Talks continue; council expects further conversations with the district and said any formal draft agreement would be presented to council and opened to public comment before any commitment is made.