TURNERS FALLS — Weeks of discussion have concluded with the Gill-Montague Regional School Committee approving a $21,748,690 budget that includes a school resource officer position.
This number is approximately a half-percent increase from the current year.
The budget eliminates four teacher positions, but adds Chromebooks for middle schoolers and new laptops for elementary school teachers, as well as the school resource officer position.
The six committee members who were present at Tuesday’s meeting unanimously approved the budget. This was the last day the budget could be approved so that it could be presented at Montague’s town meeting on Saturday, May 5.
Last week, Superintendent Michael Sullivan said if the budget was passed by the committee, the district would move forward in plans to get a school resource officer. Now that the budget has been approved, the district can expect a school resource officer within the next fiscal year, which begins in July.
On March 16, Gill administrative assistant Ray Purington sent the committee a letter, on behalf of Gill Selectmen, expressing understanding for the district wanting a school resource officer, but asked that committee members rethink their decision before taking the final vote.
The letter highlighted that the school resource officer position would be added at a time that four teacher positions are being cut. Purington and Gill Selectmen expressed support to preserve those positions over creating a new one.
Additionally, Purington and Gill Selectmen were concerned that the money for the position is only being allotted for one year, and that it may not be available the following year. They don’t want the school district to be forced to choose between keeping a teacher and the officer next year.
“My recommendation hasn’t changed,” responded Sullivan. “I still believe we should choose to spend our money on the SRO.” SRO stands for school resource officer.
He cited the recent high school shooting in Maryland where a school resource officer stepped in, saying it is crucial to consider the safety and health of students.
“The Selectboard’s concerns are very well justified … but from where I sit, it seems it’s something we should do,” Sullivan said.
Turners Falls High School Principal Annie Leonard agreed that it’s a difficult decision, but wholeheartedly agreed with Sullivan.
“Recent weeks have highlighted both the preventative and relational benefits of having an SRO as a district position,” she said.
She continued to say that she’s spoken with students and they, too, support the addition of a resource officer.
The committee would like the police department to share the cost of the school resource officer, and estimate the police department cost at $15,000. The officer would be on police payroll, but the Gill-Montague schools would reimburse the department for their part. Additional financial figures for the school resource officer will be determined soon.
“This is the first step for a safe environment,” said School Committee Chairwoman Valeria “Timmie” Smith. “It’s sad this is where our society is, but I feel we need to protect our children.”
Reach Christie Wisniewski at: cwisniewski@recorder.com
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