City of Goodyear to provide school resource officer (SRO) services at Desert Edge High School.

Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Agua Fria Union High School District No. 216 and the City of Goodyear to provide SRO services to the District at Desert Edge High School. (Santiago Rodriguez, Chief of Police)

During the school year, the SRO’s salary will be funded 50% from the District’s operating budget, excluding holidays, breaks and summer vacations. The Police Department FY2022 General Fund budget includes the full cost of the SRO program and positions and the revenue from the school district is recorded into the General Fund.

The Agua Fria Union High School District has funds available in which they have agreed to pay for 50% of the costs associated with SRO Services for the 10-month period covering the school year.  The City will pay 100% of the costs during the summer break and school observed holidays or vacations during which time the resource officer will perform City-related duties.

An SRO’s presence on campus builds trust between the students and school administrators and acts as a deterrent to potential crime.  Not only do the SRO’s provide valuable law enforcement education, but SROs also act as a positive role model and mentor while providing a safe learning environment for the staff and students.

Many communities seek the help of law enforcement to promote school safety.  The Agua Fria Union High School District funding will act as a supplement to the officer’s salary and the District will reimburse the city monthly for the SRO services.  The Police Chief will have sole discretion if the SRO is temporarily reassigned to other duties during school times as needed. 

It is recommended that the City Manager or designee execute the IGA between Agua Fria Union High School District No. 216 and the City of Goodyear for SRO services at Desert Edge High School.