Freeburg board tables vote on hiring full-time student resource officer

The Freeburg CCSD 70 board discussed whether to convert its current part-time Student Resource Officer (SRO) contract to a full-time position for the 2024–25 school year and ultimately tabled the measure.

Board members heard administration explain the funding picture: the high school agreement contributes $75,000 that helps offset district costs, and the district currently covers about $20,000 of roughly $35,000 related to the SRO arrangement. Board members who supported a full-time officer said continuity and the officer’s work with student services and security were important. Critics raised concerns about the additional roughly $37,000 annual cost, potential effects on hiring for a separate student services position, and whether the village police department could recruit and train a dedicated full-time officer on the district’s timetable.

After debate, a motion to hire a full-time SRO for 2024–25 failed on roll call; Mr Stein and Mr May voted in favor, while Mr Smith, Mr Baker, M trout and Miss F voted against. The board agreed to table the item, place it under old business for the next meeting and pursue a needs/risk assessment and confirmation of village police training timelines before taking further action.

The board instructed administration to check when the required SRO training is offered, confirm whether the village can supply and train a full-time officer in time, and investigate an outside assessment of security needs. The item will return to the board’s next agenda with a deadline for follow-up information.