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Board approves SRO contract after debate over costs and state mandate
Summary
The Taylor County School Board approved a renewed school resource officer contract that includes a roughly $90,000 increase tied to a new state mandate requiring a dedicated officer at the technical college; one board member voted no.
The Taylor County School Board voted to approve a revised school resource officer agreement with the county sheriff’s office after debate about rising costs and staffing requirements. Superintendent (speaker 12) recommended moving forward with the contract and told the board he had discussed concerns with the sheriff and undersheriff.
Representatives from the sheriff’s office explained the higher price tag. The sheriff’s office representative (speaker 13) told the board, “The 90,000 increase is because the state mandated that you have to have an SRO at the BBTC now.” Board members questioned overtime language in the contract and asked that staff bring future contract proposals earlier in the year for more negotiation time. A motion to approve the original SRO contract was made and seconded; the motion carried with one dissenting vote (Miss Donnell). The board stipulated it would begin contract review by June 1 next year to allow additional time for negotiation and budget planning.
The agreement as approved includes routine coverage for school events under the contract and a rate for additional overtime staffing that the sheriff’s office said would be charged only when the board requests officers beyond the contract’s regular assignments. The superintendent and board members emphasized that state mandates have driven some cost increases and that the district will continue efforts to manage budget impacts while meeting safety requirements.
