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Cleveland County approves school resource officer contracts; commissioners note 10% increase in sheriff funds amid camera allegation
Summary
The board approved School Resource Officer agreements with Le Monde International School and Mid‑America Christian University, and commissioners noted a 10% increase in funds available to the Sheriff's Department while Chairman Rod Cleveland publicly raised concerns about alleged inappropriate use of courthouse security cameras by the Sheriff's Office.
The Cleveland County Board approved contracts for School Resource Officers (SROs) during its June 9 meeting.
Le Monde International School will pay a monthly fee of $7,500 for SRO services. Mid‑America Christian University agreed to a 2025–2026 arrangement costing $252,000 annually to cover salaries and benefits of four deputies; that amount will be spread over 12 months, according to the meeting record. The motions to approve these contracts passed unanimously.
Commissioner Jacob McHughes congratulated the Budget Board for completing the FY2025–2026 budget and noted that "the Sheriff's Department did receive a 10% overall increase of funds available to them." Chairman Rod Cleveland also addressed allegations related to courthouse surveillance, saying, "There have been statements indicating that courthouse security camera systems are being used inappropriately by the Sheriff's Department. This practice is unacceptable and must cease immediately." The meeting minutes record no response from Sheriff's Office leadership on that claim during the session.
Votes were recorded as: Rod Cleveland, yes; Jacob McHughes, yes; Rusty Grissom, yes. The board also approved related memoranda of understanding for task force participation and declared certain sheriff vehicles and equipment surplus or junked as listed in the minutes.
