Cobleskill-Richmondville will take another look at adding a school resource officer to improve student safety.
That move comes after school board members Monday night heard parents ask for action in the wake of school incidents not at C-R but around the nation.
It was more than a year ago that the board heard Schoharie County Undersheriff Bruce Baker explain SROs and Superintendent Matt Sickles endorse the plan.
But the board had mixed feelings then about hiring an SRO, and budget constraints came into play early in 2023.
The situation may be different now, board President Bruce Tryon said.
C-R’s Citizen Budget Committee, an advisory group, discussed hiring an SRO at 2023-24 budget sessions, “and we will again entertain discussion, both pro and con, at the 2024-25 CBC meetings,” Mr. Tryon said.
Strong advocacy came from parents Monday night.
“I listen to families, parents and friends who have more concerns,” said Jenn Rightmyer, a teacher at Radez School. “I worry the most about sending my kids off to school each day.
“We have a safe campus, but not as safe as it could be.”
Ms. Rightmyer emphasized that SROs, often police officers, “are professionals in their craft.”
Jenna Mallette agreed, adding that the board should ask the staff how to make schools safer, and what could be done immediately and long-term to improve safety.
And Mike Yorke, another parent, argued that school shootings are on the rise, and “SRO would deter an attempt.”
“We commend the speakers for stepping forward to voice a concern for the need for SROs in CRCS,” Mr. Tryon said after the meeting, pointing out that officers work well in schools elsewhere.
Mr. Sickles said he was a principal and a superintendent in two different districts that had SROs before coming to C-R, and “they were very positive experiences.”
He also noted that Schoharie has an SRO, and as in other districts, the SRO gets along well with students.
“For kids who might not have a good view of law enforcement, an SRO turns that around,” Mr. Sickles said.
Further support came from board member Aimee Yorke, a teacher who’s worked in five school districts. Two of those––C-R and Gilboa-Conesville––didn’t have SROs, but the other three did.
“I’ve never seen or heard any bad experiences with an SRO,” Ms. Yorke said. “There are so many positives.”
An SRO can free other school personnel whose time might be taken by disciplinary measures.
“There are so many positives,” Ms. Yorke said. “Go to a district with an SRO and get your impressions.”