Mabton, Mabton School District leaders propose dedicated school resource officer with phased funding plan

Superintendent Elise told the council she is asking for the city’s "blessing" to pursue a partnership placing a fully commissioned Mabton police officer in schools and outlined a two‑phase plan to get there. "One of our focus areas for the school district is school safety," Elise said, and proposed that the district contribute an initial $20,000 to the city to support recruitment and training so the officer can be fully commissioned and then placed in schools.

Elise described the phase‑two funding model as the district covering 75% of the officer’s salary and benefits once trained and assigned: "Once that training is done, that would become phase 2... the school district would pay 75% of that salary." Chief Chisato (city police) responded that hiring a lateral or already‑certified officer could shorten the timeline from the 8–12 months for academy and field training to as little as three to five months for an exceptional/lateral hire. Council members asked about reporting, overtime at evening events, and how the officer would balance school duties with city patrol needs; Chief Chisato said the officer would report to the police department and only leave school duties for emergencies.

The superintendent said she will present the same proposal to the school board on Monday and asked the council for approval to continue negotiations so an agreement could be in place before school starts on Aug. 24. Council members signaled support in principle but asked staff to return with a draft contract showing cost breakdowns and operational details before final approval.