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Commissioner Philbeck - County Manager - To Authorize the Addition of Sixteen SRO Officers at Gaston County Elementary Schools for Enhanced School Security and to Appropriate Additional Funds at a Pro-rated Amount for the Remaining 2017-2018 School Year ($102,400)
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STAFF CONTACT
Earl Mathers- County Manager - 704-866-3102
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
N/A
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BUDGET ORDINANCE IMPACT
Increase fund balance appropriated by $102,400 in account 010-03-5911-0000-560000-18149. The annual amount is for the 180 school days is $576,000. The prorated amount for the remaining 32 days of the 2017-2018 school year is $102,400.
BACKGROUND
Thanks to the support of our community leaders, law enforcement, school employees, and students, Gaston County Schools (GCS) continues to be one of the safest urban school districts in the State. Currently, Gaston County provides full-time SROs at all 10 high schools and Warlick Academy. The County and the various local municipalities also provide full-time SROs at all 11 middle schools. Our 30 elementary schools receive SRO support from Gaston County and the local municipalities in various amounts ranging from 2.5 hours per week (three schools) to 4 hours per week (26 schools) to 8 hours per week (one school). The Gaston County Sheriff’s Department provides one part-time SRO (4 hours) for Webb Street School.
We believe that one of the most effective ways to keep our schools safe is to have trained SROs in our schools that build trusting relationships with the school’s staff and students. We have provided full-time SROs at all middle and high schools for several years. In order to provide that same level of safety at our elementary schools, we would need to add 16 full-time equivalent positions.
POLICY IMPACT
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ATTACHMENTS
Budget Change Request