Meredosia Leaders Weigh Reinstating School Resource Officer, Sharing Costs

Meredosia leaders are weighing a proposal to return a school resource officer to the Meredosia-Chambersburg School as officials weigh safety benefits against shared budget responsibilities. Police Chief Derrick Suttles has been in discussions with Superintendent Thad Walker about bringing an officer back into the building to focus on security, prevent crime and strengthen ties between the district, community and law enforcement.

Superintendent Walker presented the idea to school board members, who said it was worth further exploration. The proposal would require not only school board approval of an operational plan but also consultation with the village board, because the village and school district would share the cost of the officer's salary. That funding arrangement makes the decision both an educational policy choice and a municipal budget issue for Meredosia residents.

Adding a school resource officer means a recurring personnel cost rather than a one-time expense. For a small village and a compact school district, that can translate into budget tradeoffs between public safety, classroom needs and municipal services. Officials will need to identify whether the officer would be full-time or part-time, which department pays payroll and benefits, and how long-term obligations are allocated between the village and the district. These questions matter to taxpayers because cost-sharing agreements can affect next year’s budgets and resource priorities at both the village and the school.

Beyond finances, proponents cite broader community benefits. Chief Suttles has described the role as one that would enhance safety, prevent crime and serve as a link between the school, the community and law enforcement. For parents and staff, an on-site officer can change daily interactions with emergency planning, student behavior management and community policing efforts. For students, the presence of law enforcement in schools raises both perceived safety and questions about the officer’s role in school discipline versus support.

At the same meeting, school officials reported that glass work on the back northeast wing of the school building has been completed, addressing a separate facilities need noted by administrators. That maintenance item signals ongoing attention to the physical learning environment even as officials consider staffing and safety changes.

Next steps for the SRO proposal include more detailed cost estimates and a formal conversation with the village board to map out salary-sharing mechanics and timelines. Residents can expect the school board and village board to return to the topic as officials develop numbers and operational details. The decision will shape local budgets and daily school life, making it a practical concern for families, taxpayers and village leaders alike.