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Board delays SRO funding formula change, keeps current split for one year
Summary
Amid uncertainty over a state grant, the Rockingham County Schools board voted to delay changing the school resource officer funding split to 75/25 and keep the current 83/17 formula for one year while municipalities and county staff continue discussions.
The Rockingham County Schools board voted July 12 to postpone a previously proposed change to the school resource officer (SRO) funding formula for one year while the district waits for the Center for Safer Schools to release grant awards.
Superintendent Dr. Perkins told the board the district had previously approved moving to a 75/25 funding split but that the grant had not been released. He said the district is “just recommending that we postpone that for 1 year” and continue with the existing 83% local / 17% municipal split for the upcoming year to give municipalities and county partners more time to prepare.
Why it matters: The funding split determines how school resource positions at elementary and middle schools are financed; state funding (if received) would cover positions at the high school level but grant funding was expected to support middle and elementary SROs. The postponement keeps current staffing plans while staff work through grant timing and alternatives if the award is not made.
Board discussion and follow up: Members urged additional analysis — including whether the percentage should apply to salary alone rather than total compensation — and asked staff to research comparable counties. Superintendent Perkins said staff will return with options if the grant is not awarded. The motion to delay the formula change was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
