Board hears school resource officer contract; two SROs estimated at about $251,000

District staff presented an informational briefing on the proposed school resource officer contract and the role the SROs would play in secondary schools.

"The two positions cost approximately $251,000," Mr. Jeff Weinstein told the board, adding that the district is pursuing a competitive state COPS grant that could cover about 80% of the cost. Weinstein said SROs would generally report at 8 a.m. and leave at 4 p.m. on school days; the contract sets expectations for daily assignment, presentations (tobacco, vaping, career talks), individual counseling for identified at-risk students, participation in SAR hearings and emergency/crisis planning support.

Trustees asked whether the contract differs materially from past agreements. Weinstein said the chief change addressed earlier billing practices: the district had previously paid for 260 days while SROs were present on campus for about 180 school days; the revised contract ties invoicing to actual SRO presence and reduces invoice amounts when SROs are pulled off campus.

Board members also discussed overtime for extracurricular events (e.g., football games), noting the district can choose to assign on-duty officers instead of SROs to limit overtime costs or adjust SRO start times. Weinstein said the city had submitted the COPS grant application but the district had not yet received notification of award.

Next steps: the item was placed on the agenda for formal action at the next regular board meeting, giving trustees and the public an opportunity to ask additional questions and review contract language before a vote.