What about a SRO?
That’s a question Middleburgh Central School got after two 14-year-old students and two teachers were killed in a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia.
Nine others—eight students and one teacher—were also shot and wounded; a 14-year-old student has been charged with the crime.
MCS school board President Deb Bechtold said she’s been asked—again—about the possibility of adding a school resource officer.
All other considerations aside, said Superintendent Mark Place, the real question is whether they can afford it.
Mr. Place said he expects huge losses in state aid in the 2025-26 budget, something he said will make it a challenge to fund positions MCS already staffs.
Schoharie is the only local school with an SRO—and Superintendent Dave Blanchard said the position isn’t going anywhere, even though he share’s Mr. Place’s concern over state aid.
“My sense is here in Schoharie, having a SRO has worked very well,” Mr. Blanchard said.
“It’s meant peace of mind for staff and students and SRO has made great connections with kids. He looks at things through a different lens and keeps us on our toes. He’s kind of like our conscience.”
He—SRO Terry Minton—is also an assistant coach, working with the girls softball team last spring and now, girls soccer.
“He’s really adapted the role and gotten to know all of the kids,” Mr. Blanchard said, “He’s a great role model.”
SRO Minton joined SCS in the fall of 2022 with the position partially paid for with grants.
It remains a priority, Mr. Blanchard said.
“The budget concerns are real,” he said. “But so is a safe environment.”