The City of Billings and the Billings Public Schools have enjoyed a 15 year history with the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program in the middle schools and the high schools.  The Memorandums of Understanding, which are attached, make provisions for program objectives, guidelines, financial consideration, and for terminating the agreement.  The MOUs are for the period of July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.  The School Board approved both MOUs at their meeting of June 21, 2010.  The School Resource Officer Program is a collaborative effort by certified law enforcement officers, educators, students, parents, and the community, to offer a liaison program in both the middle and high schools to reduce crime, drug abuse, violence, and provide a safe school environment.  The Program also provides networking, public relations, and relationship building between the City, Police Department, the School District and the community.  City Council is being asked to approve the MOUs for the middle schools and high schools in the amount of $117,832.

Council may:
.  Approve the Memorandums of Understanding for the SRO Program in the middle and high schools; or
.  Not approve the Memorandums of Understanding for the SRO Program in the middle and high schools.

The approximate total cost for the 2 officers in the middle school SRO positions and the 3 officers in the high school SRO positions is $357,311.08.  The Billings Public Schools provide a payment of $117,832 ($53,560 for the middle schools and $64,272 for the high schools) to help defray some of the salary and benefit costs for the 5 officers.  The School District contribution was increased by 3% for the new year. 

Staff recommends Council approve the School Resource Officer Program Memorandums of Understanding with the Billings Public Schools in the amount of $117,832 effective July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.