MEEKER | The Meeker School Board convened last week for its monthly work session, with all members in attendance except Vice President Tom Allen. The session, as customary for work meetings, did not include decision-making but provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on pressing matters, including the possibility of hiring a school resource officer (SRO) and updates to district policies.
A major topic of discussion was the potential addition of a school resource officer to the district. Meeker Police Chief Eddie Thompson joined the work session to address questions and provide insights into the role of an SRO. This follows a previous meeting where board members and school principals expressed general support for the idea but sought more clarity on the officer’s day-to-day responsibilities.
Board member Ann Franklin asked about the department’s motivation for pursuing this initiative, Chief Thompson highlighted a rise in school-related incidents.
“I’ve seen an increase in calls for service at the schools. Some of these incidents have been significant,” Thompson explained. “I think we’re behind the eight ball when it comes to having a consistent presence in the schools.”
Thompson acknowledged that current police department staffing levels are stretched thin, impacting their ability to address school-related cases promptly. An SRO, he argued, could help fill this gap by handling investigations more efficiently while maintaining a visible presence at the schools.
Board member Heather Sauls posed a crucial question about how an SRO could proactively prevent or mitigate incidents. Thompson responded by likening the presence of an SRO to a police car on the highway—serving as a deterrent while fostering a safer environment. He emphasized that the officer’s role would not be to intimidate but to build trust with students, creating a resource for them to turn to in difficult situations.
Both Middle School Principal Katie Johnston and High School Principal Amy Chinn shared supportive perspectives. Johnston emphasized the potential for an SRO to strengthen community relationships and reduce tensions between law enforcement and civilians.
“In my experience, having a consistent presence helps build relationships with kids and families,” Johnston said. “It can create a collaborative approach to preventing legal issues and avoiding the school-to-prison pipeline.”
Chinn added practical suggestions for the role, referencing past practices like regularly checking school perimeters for security breaches.
Thompson outlined the specialized training SROs undergo, which includes learning what they can and cannot do in a school setting, and ensuring their actions align with legal guidelines. He also plans on meeting with the principals to discuss their policies and his policies. During the summer months, when school is not in session, the officer would participate in regular patrol duties and use the time for additional training and personal leave.
The session also addressed district policy regarding facility use and coaching expectations. Sauls raised concerns about summer activities, citing band teacher Raquel Neesham as an example. Neesham provides paid lessons during the summer, with the proceeds funding a scholarship. While the practice technically aligns with current policy, the board decided to have the administration propose clearer language for future policy considerations.
Another topic of discussion was the need for board training to assist new members in understanding their roles and responsibilities. Members agreed to explore options for such training in the future.
With no votes required during the session, the meeting concluded with plans for follow-ups on the SRO proposal and policy language revisions. The next Meeker School Board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at the district office.
By JARED HENDERSON
