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Board approves three-year school resource officer agreement; district share rises to 70%
Summary
Ben Barton told the board the district will pay 70% of the School Resource Officer cost under a three-year agreement beginning 2026–27; the contract includes substitution language for absences, retains a DARE officer from the city and adds collaboration on student safety education.
The Onalaska School District board voted July 13 to approve a three-year agreement with the City of Onalaska to provide a School Resource Officer (SRO), increasing the district's share of the SRO cost from 67% to 70% for the contract term.
Ben Barton, who presented the agreement, said the change grew from negotiations with city officials and that both sides agreed a multiyear arrangement would reduce annual administrative burden. "We did, agree to, move that from 67 to 70 with the idea that this would be a 3 year deal," Barton said, adding the board's expectation to revisit the arrangement at the end of the term.
Barton also said the agreement includes language intended to ensure continuity of coverage: if the assigned officer will be absent, the city will make an effort to provide a substitute. He noted the city also provides a DARE officer and is willing to work with the district on elementary and middle-school safety education (including e-scooter safety programming).
Board members asked about language on the anticipated length an officer might remain in the assigned position. Chair clarified that "the police department considers the person in the position every 5 years," and staff explained the contract term (three years) is separate from the police department's internal assignment cycles.
Trustee Bridal moved to approve the SRO agreement as presented and was seconded by Trustee Tisha. The motion carried on a voice vote.
The board additionally was told the police department had not yet assigned the specific officer for the coming year; the district indicated it would participate in the interview process.
The agreement was described as intended to strengthen the district's partnership with the city on school safety while providing stability through a multi-year term. The board had no further action beyond approving the contract.
