The Salem Grade School Board Thursday night approved a five year extension of the school resource officer program.
Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe says the contract with the City of Salem Police Department to provide the school resource officers to the Salem Grade and High School Districts expires this summer.
“The SRO program has just been fantastic and it was up, so we took a look at the inter-governmental agreement. I just felt it was great if we could extend it for 5 years, and what I’m hoping all the boards will agree with as well. I’m very pleased that our board did that tonight.”
Under the agreement, the Salem Grade and High School District’s split 75- percent of the cost of the two officers while the city picks up the other 25- percent and utilizes the SRO officers for other duties when school is not in session.
Dr. Foppe is closing off the wooded trail used for cross country due to some trees that have been damaged by the recent storms.
“For a minimum of 10 tress, we are concerned with that are too close to the path. So now we are going to look at what we can do to make that a safer running course for our kids.”
Foppe is hopeful the tree issue can be addressed before the start of the cross country season in the fall.
Foppe reported the carpeting is being removed from the final two rooms at Franklin Park as all the flooring will now be tile. Summer painting and cleaning at Hawthorn Grade School has been completed.
Foppe reported the audit went well, but reports are not yet available. The board approved calling back all six paraprofessionals laid off at the end of school due to uncertainty on need. Foppe says they now know all six are needed in addition to another half-time aide who could also complete some other duties at the school.
The board accepted the resignation of Cheryl Ice as Early Childhood Education Teacher. They hired Bethany Hanks to replace her. Megan Lenzini was hired as girls assistant cross country coach.
