The City of Billings and the Billings Public Schools have enjoyed a 18 year history with the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program in the middle schools and the high schools.  The attached Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) make provisions for program objectives, guidelines, financial consideration and for terminating the agreements.  The MOUs are for the period of July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.  The School Board approved both MOUs at their meeting of March 25, 2013.  The SRO 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 among 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 $121,366.

Council may:

• Approve the MOUs for the SRO Program in the middle and high schools; or
• Not approve the MOUs for the SRO Program in the middle and high schools.  The effect would be that the City would have to supply the $121,366 that the Billings Public Schools contributes to the program or modify/eliminate the program.

The approximate total cost for the two officers in the middle school SRO positions and the three officers in the high school SRO positions is $357,311.08.  The Billings Public Schools provide a payment of $121,366 ($55,166 for the middle schools and $66,200 for the high schools) to help defray some of the salary and benefit costs for the five officers. 

Staff recommends Council approve the SRO Program Memorandum of Understanding with Billings Public Schools.