The Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education heard an update on the new shared agreement with the City of Carroll for a student resource officer (SRO). Officer Matt Kennebeck was hired for the position earlier this year, with the intent to be an additional resource to students and staff throughout the day. Kennebeck says he tries to make his rounds throughout each of the buildings every day. He says the first few months was an adjustment period for the students to get used to having him around.
Kennebeck usually starts his day rotating between the middle and the high school at the beginning of the day, interacting with the students as they arrive at school. Elementary is a little different, as he tries to show up during recess, or lunch times when the students are not in class, but will also participate at assemblies or other events.
Superintendent Dr. Casey Berlau says Kennebeck’s role is not what perhaps some people think when it comes to an SRO.
Kennebeck says there are times in emergencies such as a fight, or if criminal charges need to be filed that he will assist as an additional resource.
Students in violation of school rules and the law will face consequences of both, including criminal charges. Board members Jeff Cullen and Jim Friel says they both have heard positive comments on the program throughout the community and within the district.
In the partnership with the city, the district pays for 70 percent of the salary and the city 30 percent with a three-year agreement in place. Berlau says that the plan is to go in front of the city council as well to share an update and to bring Kennebeck back next spring for an end of the year report.
