Powell Considering Second SRO

School safety is at the top of the minds of school boards around the country, and Powell’s board is considering adding a second school resource officer as an added security measure.
Jay Curtis, Superintendent for Park County School District No. 1, told the board last month that the idea of a second SRO is just a discussion item, but said that this would be another way to create a safer environment, adding that a trained officer is probably one of the greatest defenses in the event of a school threat. That’s according to an article in the Powell Tribune.
Because the School Resource Officer is a employee of the police department, Police Chief Roy Eckerdt is part of the conversation with the schools in considering this option. The Tribune reports that Eckerdt and the department would definitely be interested in a second SRO in the school system, and feels there is a need. One officer would be assigned to Powell High School, and a second to Powell Middle School. They would then share responsibilities among Powell’s three elementary schools.
The school district partners with the City of Powell Police Department to provide funding for a sworn officer to work in local schools. The school district pays for 75 percent of the SRO’s salary and benefits, while the City of Powell pays 25 percent. Eckerdt said it’s possible a second SRO could be hired next year if the funding, hiring and training can be coordinated.