Citrus County board approves first amendments to SRO operational and financial agreements

The Citrus County School Board voted unanimously May 12 to approve first amendments to the district's School Resource Officer (SRO) operational and financial agreements with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.

Board members said the changes clarify responsibilities and reflect recent legislative changes to SRO hours. Captain Montgomery, representing the sheriff's office, told the board the biggest edits remove language that required reporting all activity to the school safety specialist and instead designate the captain overseeing the department as the reporting line. Board staff also adjusted ‘‘Exhibit D'''''' to change start and end times to 30 minutes before and after school to conform with new state legislation.

Vice Chair Doug Dodd and other board members thanked the sheriff's office and district staff for collaboration. The board noted county commissioners have committed funding in support of the program and that the financial amendment includes line items for threat-assessment personnel the district intends to add.

The motion to approve the SRO operational amendment was made by Mr. Kenny and seconded by Miss Counts; the board voted 4-0. A separate motion to approve the SRO financial amendment was moved and seconded later in the meeting and likewise passed 4-0.

Board members said next steps include implementing the updated reporting procedures, coordinating with the county on funding and staffing timelines, and returning to the board with any operational changes. The amendments are effective upon execution of the documents the board approved.