District and cities continue talks over SRO contracts as Talent faces budget constraints

Board members discussed updates to school resource officer (SRO) contracts with partner cities amid budget pressure.

District staff reported they had shared updated contracts with both city managers and police chiefs and expected an expedient return of the Phoenix contract. The City of Talent negotiations are more uncertain: staff said Talent faces budgetary challenges and the district proposed a reduced‑cost, shared service model to maintain some SRO presence while reworking terms.

Board members emphasized the value of SROs to building relationships and school safety; staff said they will continue to negotiate with Talent and aim to return finalized contracts in May. No final contract vote occurred at the meeting; board members asked staff to keep the board updated and to provide proposed contract language as it is available.

The board also discussed a separate superintendent contract follow‑up relating to evaluation and a clause noted in Mr. Barry's contract; a board member offered to meet with Mr. Barry to prepare contract edits for return to the board.