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Soddy‑Daisy approves SRO MOUs for Ivy Academy and Skillern; city commits to $60,000 in year one
Summary
The board approved MOUs to place School Resource Officers at Ivy Academy and Skillern Elementary using existing officers; a $75,000 state grant and school contribution will offset costs and the city committed $60,000 for the first year pending grant outcomes.
The Soddy‑Daisy Board on Aug. 3 approved Memoranda of Understanding with Ivy Academy and Skillern Elementary to station School Resource Officers (SROs) using existing police officers. City Manager Johnson said a $75,000 state grant will be used toward costs and that Ivy Academy's operator, Angie Markum, has agreed to contribute to first‑year costs.
Johnson asked the commission to commit $60,000 total in year one to ensure SROs can start this school year; he said new hires to replace officers assigned as SROs will be necessary and that benefits costs for replacements will affect the total. "They will work regular school hours and if school is closed they will work crime suppression for the City," Johnson said. Captain Petty confirmed the officers graduate from SRO training tomorrow.
City Attorney Elliott said a standard state agreement relative to the grant was used and that because of extra funding an Addendum B had been prepared in addition to Addendum A. Commissioners approved the MOUs and the funding commitment by unanimous vote.
The MOUs keep SROs as city employees and require the city to hire replacements for patrol duties; the meeting record shows staff will apply for additional capital grants and watch for state special‑session legislation that could provide more grant funding.
