School board hears about resource officer

Comanche Police Chief Bill Straily addressed the board with information regarding a school resource officer which could serve to enhance safety protocols already in place, at the Comanche School Board meeting held last Tuesday.

“It’s weighing heavy on my heart that we get a resource officer for the district,” Straily said.

Straily said the officer would spend time at all three campuses.

Rick Coberly, the resource school officer (RSO) at Bray-Doyle shared his daily duties and how his contract worked. Coberly is also a Stephens County deputy.

Mike Murillo, a Comanche reserve officer, who has had training as an RSO, shared his belief in the RSOs and how they could positively impact the district. Superintendent Julie Bills discussed with the board that ensuring students and staff are safe is a priority to a successful learning environment.

The events that have taken place across the nation and state in the last several months have brought the safety of our students to the forefront of needs. Bills said she will follow up with the city to see if an agreement can be made.

Straily said he had talked with Chuck Ralls, city manager, and said the city would be willing to help with some of the expense.

Bills said during the meeting that she had polled parents and had received mixed messages in return with some extremely positive and some concerned the RSOs would single out students.

Bills also said she would consult with finance director Terry Davidson about how much the district might be able to put toward hiring a resource officer. Straily said it would cost approximately $47,000.

He said he will also look for future grants, but grants for the upcoming school year have already closed.

Board members approved various routine consent agenda items, including the minutes of the May regular board meeting, activity fund reports, and the treasurer’s report. The board approved contracts for various services and investment agreements with the Stephen County Treasurer.

Also approved were encumbrances in the general and building funds.

Superintendent Bills reported the numbers for summer school at all three sites and shared with the board that meals and transportation were provided. There are 23 students at the high school, 12 at the middle school and 43 at the elementary school.

Bills shared that the district is still currently looking for a speech and language pathology provider or contractor for the upcoming year. The district will be ready to fill the remaining positions for a third and fourth grade teacher, middle school English teacher, and a high school English teacher by the next board meeting. “We are in the process of interviewing candidates.” Bills said. “I am confident we will find the right personnel to complete our team.”

Summer projects are underway and Bills reported that painting of the elementary hallway, several classrooms, and floor resurfacing district-wide will begin after the completion of summer school. The moving of the special services offices to the middle school will take place after the completion of remodeling.

In other action, the Board of Education approved the rehiring of support personnel for the 22-23 school year.

The board also approved the hiring of Tracey Dyer for a third grade position, Kecia Hancock for the elementary janitorial position, Anthony Bowie for the high school boys basketball position, and Dr. Danny McGuire for a high school science position.

Superintendent Bills shared that the hiring of Dr. McGuire will bring a new element of experience to the science department.