The City of Vandalia is discussing partnering with the Vandalia School District to hire a School Resource Officer.
Vandalia Mayor Rick Gottman says the School District would supply 75% of the cost for the officer with 25% coming from the City. The officer would be a City of Vandalia Police Officer and would report to the Police Chief but would get day-to-day instruction from Vandalia Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Garrison.
Vandalia Police Chief Jeff Ray discussed the cost breakdown and that–in total–the 25% would like cost the city about $28,500 in salary and benefits. Chief Ray says this is also a position where they would need to find the “right fit” for the job.
And, Chief Ray says safety for the school buildings would be the first thing on the agenda for the SRO but there are also other potential benefits.
Mayor Gottman stated he is fully behind this and the council members on hand also were very receptive to the idea. Mayor Gottman says they will likely take action on the matter during their first meeting in April.
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