Tonkawa Chief of Police Nick Payne spoke to the Tonkawa school board Monday night about adding one or two School Resource Officer.He was met with open arms by members of the school board -- Casey McAninch, Jerry Hook, Nancy Appleman, Brian Bowling and Tyler Langston.“It’s a good deterrent to active shooters,” Payne said and provides rapport between the police and and students and faculty. Two plans were presented by Payne. One would be a nine-month plan which would cost $28,875Two plans were presented by Payne. One would be a nine-month plan which would cost $28,875 per officer -- one at each school building. The other is a 12-month plan which would cost $38,687.80 annually.Having a full-time officer at both the grade school and the midhi/high school building would provide “protection, presence and rapport” between the students, faculty and the Tonkawa Police Department. Payne is seeking support from the Tonkawa Tribe as well. Over 25% of the students who attend Tonkawa Public Schools are tribal students.The officer could be used for truancy, theft and vandalism, bullying enforcement and would be required to attend all home and away school functions and sporting events.No action was taken. Superintendent Lori Simpson has got to come up with a way to pay for the program. Then it would have to come back to the board for final approval including a memorandum of understanding between the department and the district.In addition, the school would be required to provide a private work space, desk and internet connectivity.In other action the board:-- Approved general fund purchases of $31,968.46; building fund, $45; child nutrition fund, $13,550.40; and sinking fund, $550,800.-- Approved accepting resignations of Staci Jacques, midhi teacher and Kelly Martin, kindergarten teacher.
