SRO program being revisited by school/city

— Four years after the school resource officer program ended, Pea Ridge city and school officials are again working on a memorandum of understanding to put a police officer back in the school as a School Resource Officer by the first of the school year.

The cooperative agreement between city and school was discussed at City Council Tuesday, July 17, and at School Board Thursday, July 19. School superintendent Rick Neal presented a memorandum of understanding to School Board members in a work-study session Thursday night before the School Boardmeeting.

On the preceding Tuesday, Police Chief Tim Ledbetter presented the memorandum to the City Council, who approved it contingent upon School Board acceptance.

School Board members, as well as Neal and Ledbetter, are expected to meet Saturday to review proposed changes in the agreement.

“We have a really good chance to get back and make it a successful program,” Mayor Jackie Crabtree told council members Tuesday.

“I’ve heard from a lot of parents who want it,” council memberSteve Guthrie said.

“It’s a win/win for the city and the school and is definitely a win for the children in the long run,” Ledbetter said.

On Thursday, School Board president Joshua Ramsey said: “Our goal is the same as the city’s and the chief’s - the safety of the children.”

During the nearly hour of discussion during the work-study session, board members clarified questions such as to whom the school resource officer would report and what his responsibilities would be.

“The administration will have to view the SRO as a value and make sure that there is that coordination of partnership ultimately with the kids in mind,” board member Jenny Wood said.

Ramsey thanked Mayor Jackie Crabtree for attending the meeting.

The School Board approved establishing a School Resource Officer program for the 2007-2008 school year, but by the summer of 2008, the program was ended at the recommendation of thensuperintendent Mike Van Dyke.

News, Pages 1 on 07/25/2012