Facing a nearly 450 percent increase in costs for School Resource Officers over five years, Christian County Public Schools are taking steps to bring those positions in house. Thursday night, the School Board voted unanimously to approve creating its own law enforcement agency.
Director of Student Services, Dr. Kim Stevenson says they are greatful for the partnerships with local law enforcement over the years.
The District will hire four officers next year to replace Sheriff's Office Deputies and then the following year hire 10 to replace the Police Department officers. She adds the new hires will have to have SRO training.
In 2020, the District paid $316,000 for SROs. Next year, it projects current costs at $1,417,000. Board Member Rebecca Pepper asked about other districts making similar decisions.
The School Board also approved positions for a Director of School Safety and Security and a Chief of School Safety and Security.
In other business, Assistant Superintendent Kevin Crider presented district recommendations to fill the community member seats on the Local Planning Committee – David Wimpy, Mark McGee, and Tiffany Mumford Brame.
The School Board approved those three choices. The other 17 seats will be filled by school staff, administrators, and parents.
