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Trustees discuss using 31aa funds for SROs, early intervention and perimeter security
Summary
Board members and staff identified candidate uses for Section 31aa safety and mental-health funds — SROs, early-intervention supports for kindergarten, ECC programs, and perimeter security — and discussed that some previous expenses (Fortis officers) may not qualify.
Board members used the special meeting to outline possible categories for 31aa safety and mental-health funding, mentioning early-childhood (ECC) supports, growing kindergarten needs, perimeter security at Masonic Avenue, and school resource officer (SRO) arrangements with the City of St. Clair Shores.
Dr. DiPonio said the district has discussed adding an SRO with the city and noted that Fortis officers are no longer an allowable expense under the funding guidance; he added that Fortis costs to date have been paid from the general fund at "just under $400k." "Our Fortis officers are no longer an allowable expense. We have plenty of needs in this safety and mental health area," he said.
Trustees framed the choices as balancing legal risk and privacy concerns with the practical goal of improving student safety and supports. The board did not finalize spending decisions at the special meeting and directed staff to continue studying options and report back if legal or statutory changes alter allowable uses.
