ATHOL — Athol Police Chief Russell T. Kleber has appointed a school resource officer.
Kleber told the Athol Selectboard on Tuesday that Officer Doug Kaczmarczyk, who was not at the meeting, will work at Athol Community Elementary School when it opens next month. The appointment had been made official earlier in the day, Kleber said.
The new position, included in the $18,942,316 budget approved by voters at Town Meeting, has been made possible through a cost-sharing arrangement with the Athol-Royalston Regional School District. Town Administrator Shaun A. Suhoski has said it also includes a one-time obligation of more than $50,000 to a retiree.
Kleber said Kaczmarczyk was already a member of his department and now has a new job assignment. Kleber said Kaczmarczyk will start his duties on Aug. 29 so he can prepare for the academic year, which begins on Sept. 6.
“I’m very happy to have appointed him,” Kleber said. “The safety of our children … is our number one priority.”
Kleber told Selectboard members the new elementary school will be Kaczmarczyk’s sole responsibility during the academic year and Kaczmarczyk would fill needed overtime shifts only during non-school hours.
Selectboard member Alan Dodge said Kaczmarczyk is a good choice, and other members agreed with him.
Kleber said he and Kaczmarczyk will be present at the open house scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Athol Community Elementary School today.