Rockport Police propose interlocal SRO program to Rockport‑Fulton ISD; city outlines costs, supervision and training

Chief Nathan Anderson of the Rockport Police Department presented a non-action proposal to the Rockport‑Fulton Independent School District board for an interlocal School Resource Officer (SRO) program, saying the city would assume administrative oversight while the district would reimburse 60% of SRO salary and benefits.

Anderson told the board the city would supply supervision, equipment, vehicles and records-management support and that SROs would be sworn Rockport PD officers assigned to campuses. “We would provide reliable staffing and substitute coverage to every school district to make sure we have an officer on campus at all times,” Anderson said. He said the city could provide a supervisory lieutenant to oversee the program and regular reporting and performance reviews to the district.

The presentation framed the proposal as both a public-safety and financial discussion. Superintendent Dr. Austin said the suggestion is one option to explore amid district budget pressure and made clear she was not asking for a vote that night. “This is simply a presentation and a discussion. I’m not asking the board to take any action this evening,” she said.

Anderson described the rough cost math the city provided: an average Rockport police officer package at about $83,000 a year (salary plus benefits) would yield a 60% district reimbursement near $50,000 per officer; four campus officers at that rate would total roughly $200,000. A first‑line supervisory position (lieutenant) with total cost roughly $108,000 would add a 60% district share of about $65,000. Anderson characterized a $265,000 figure as a high‑end estimate to prompt discussion, saying the final number would depend on each officer’s actual wage and benefits.

Board members pressed on operational details. One asked what would happen “when the grant’s gone,” referencing a separate city grant intended to hire entry‑level officers; Anderson replied the grant is unrelated to the SRO agreement and that the city would still cover its 40% share of officer costs after the three‑year grant period. Board members also asked whether officers would be pulled from campuses during major incidents. Anderson said the interlocal agreement would specify that assigned campus officers remain on site and that the city would replace any officer temporarily absent so schools would not be left without SRO coverage.

Members pressed on hiring and fit for students: existing district officers would be encouraged to apply to the city department and would need to complete the regular hiring/training process if hired by the city. Anderson said the interlocal agreement language allows the district to assist in selecting SROs and the city would work with the district to identify officers who fit the campuses’ needs.

Superintendent Dr. Austin said the district will bring a fuller police‑department annual report (training, incidents, call services, department performance) later this year to inform any decision. Chief Anderson noted the city’s budget process and grant timing (city budget in October) and that the interlocal agreement would be reviewed by city and district attorneys.

No action was taken; the item was presented for discussion and potential future consideration. The board expects additional documentation, cost breakdowns, and attorney review before any formal proposal returns for a vote.

Provenance: presentation and Q&A (topic start SEG 428; topic end SEG 1122).