Both city and school officials have agreed to suspend the school resource officer program for the remainder of the 2014/2015 school year.
In a letter dated Dec. 17 on city letterhead, it stated: "This letter is in reference to an agreement between ... city and school district dated August 11, 2014. Due to circumstances beyond the control of either party, this contract is being suspended for the remainder of the 2014/2015 school year effective December 19, 2014."
"The Pea Ridge School District has paid more than half of the yearly agreement amount. The city will reimburse the school district in the amount of $5,662.50."
According to the letter, city officials will "revisit" the matter for the next school year.
Mayor Jackie Crabtree told City Council members that the Police Department was "short-handed" and needed Sgt. Mitch Brown who was serving as the SRO.
School superintendent Rick Neal said it was a mutual agreement to temporarily suspend the program.
General News on 01/28/2015