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Murfreesboro board renews MOU with police for School Resource Officer program
Summary
The board approved an annual Memorandum of Understanding with the Murfreesboro Police Department to continue its School Resource Officer program, with staff saying SROs are funded by the police department budget and a state grant; the district expects 27 SROs next year.
The Murfreesboro City School Board voted June 23 to approve the district’s annual Memorandum of Understanding with the Murfreesboro Police Department to participate in the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security FY27 School Resource Officer grant program.
Director Duke told the board the agreement outlines responsibilities for assignment and operation of SROs in district schools and emphasized there is no direct district payroll cost because SRO positions are funded through the city police budget along with state grant funding. Staff said the district anticipates 27 SROs next year, including four SRO supervisors and multiple larger schools slated to have two SROs on site.
Board member Mr. Richardson asked whether officers in schools are primarily focused on punishment or protection. Duke responded that the SRO role is intended as a deterrent and relationship builder, to support principals so they can focus on instruction, to teach classes (the district plans fifth‑grade classes led by SROs), and to be available at large events and emergencies. The board approved the MOU by voice vote.
The MOU approval preserves the district’s participation in the state grant program and the current SRO staffing approach; staff said operational coordination will continue between the district and the police department.
