The Salem City Council has agreed to a new contract with Salem Grade and High School Districts to continue the School Resource Officer Program.
Under the new contract each school district would pay for 75-percent of their officer instead of the current 66-percent.
City Manager Rex Barbee says the SRO’s will remain on the city payroll and would be available for other duties when school is not in session or during emergencies.
Members of the council concurred with Mayor Nic Farley that they have never heard anything bad about the program.
“I’ve heard nothing but positive comments in the community about the SRO Program. Both from school administration, faculty and general public taking their kids to school. I think it’s important in the day and age we live in it’s really nice to know there are some trained officers right there in case anything does occur. Unfortunately it’s the time we live in but I’m proud to know that the Salem community is a part of that.”
Police Chief Sean Reynolds says he also supports continuation of the program. He reports Officer Craig Vieira will remain the SRO at Salem Community High School and Officer Ryan Meador in the Salem Grade School District.
The Salem Grade and High School Boards still have to approve the agreements.
