The Gillett School Board may hear a recommendation April 18 to establish a school resource officer who would serve as a liaison among students, staff and law enforcement.
Tracy Ondik, director of the Gillett Area Ambulance Service as well as an Oconto County Board supervisor, gave a presentation about the idea to the school board March 21, and Superintendent Wayne Johnson said it was anticipated as a possible action item for the April meeting.
Police Chief Shane Breitenbach told the Gillett City Council on April 4 he has attended several information meetings about creating a position for the officer, who would be stationed in the schools.
“This has been a topic of discussion for many years, and with the increase in disciplinary problems, disorderly, disruptive and illegal activities, along with demands from parents, students and staff for a more safe and secure learning environment, a school resource officer has become a necessity for all schools, urban and rural,” Breitenbach said. “Funding opportunities do exist that could cover a large portion of the cost.”
The proposed cost/share options would have the school district fund 75-80% of the cost, with the remaining cost covered by the department that provides the service, he said.
The school resource officer could be a Gillett city police officer or an Oconto County sheriff’s deputy.
“There are pros and cons to each,” Breitenbach said, adding that one Gillett officer has expressed an interest in the position.
A sheriff’s deputy has served as school resource officer for the Suring School District since January 2023 in an agreement between the district and Oconto County. The Oconto Falls school resource officer is provided by the city police department.
wbluhm@newmedia-wi.com
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