Mat-Su Borough school board approves SRO contracts with Wasilla, Palmer police departments

During the Aug. 2 meeting of the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) school board, members voted unanimously to approve a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the MSBSD and the City of Wasilla Police Department to provide for a School Resource Officer (SRO) program for the schools located within, as well as, outside of the City of Wasilla.

The MOA is a 1-year agreement outlines that the SRO program involves duties and assignments at the following school communities: Wasilla High School, Wasilla Middle School, Iditarod Elementary, Mat-Su Central, Burchell High School; Redington Jr/Sr High School, Dena’ina Elementary, Knik Elementary, Goose Bay Elementary; Houston High School, Houston Middle School, Big Lake Elementary.

Nothing in this agreement is intended to restrict or prohibit an SRO from responding to an emergency, investigation of criminal activities, or providing technical assistance to another school as time permits. The agreement also specifies that the District will pay the full cost of the SROs salary and benefits.

Similarly, the school board also unanimously passed an SRO agreement with the City of Palmer Police Department. The five year agreement will provide for 1 officer to be assigned to the Colony Campus, covering both Colony High School and Colony Middle School. The District will be responsible for paying 75% of the SRO program, not to exceed $175,000 in any given year.

The goal of utilizing the SRO is to enhance and improve the overall safety and security of schools, youth, and the community.