Nick McWilliams reporting – The topic of a second school resource officer for New Philadelphia City Schools is on the agenda for later this week.
Mayor Joel Day says that he, along with Safety Director Greg Popham, will meet with Police Chief Tessa Pahovey to discuss the budget for the department, along with the prospect of funding a second resource officer.
It’s a costly endeavor for the district, with Day stating that talks will involve how to make the position fit into yearly appropriations.
“Currently, the city is charging the school district just over $58,000 a single SRO, which is about two-thirds of the total cost of the officer’s wage and benefits.”
The mayor adds that the department will also provide a cruiser for the officer to use.
The SRO works approximately 180 school days out of the year.
Depending on the outcome of the meetings, Day says they will bring a proposal to Superintendent Amy Wentworth for consideration down the road.
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