02-14-1994 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

> ' 'r / • '•I*/ A ^ORONQ m fS t littJUifC OCUlCA COKWUWITY C ducahom Omccrov BmM ecMCsnioiV assistant CQMKMvrnp CoucAnati Oiac ^cs ORONO Public Schools • 70S OLD C rystal B ay Road North , RO. Box 36 • Long Lake , Minnesota 55356-003C • 612.449.8350 Dale; Feb. 8.1994 Dear Chief SuHivan. The Orono Board of Eduction has authorized a levy of approximately $11.000 to address 'crime related costs*. The levy's primary irtent is to aiow school <Sstricts to contract wsh a efty or county law enforcemera agency to provide a peace offerer for laison services in the district's mkjde arto high schools. This funding has already been levied for the 93-94 fiscal year arxl for 94-95. Our desire is to proceed as expecMntly as posstoie so that a program could be in place as soon as possible. White the Orono School District by comparison is a very safe arxf positive place for yourtg people, we can rot igrcre the disturbing issues of violence and fear that are affecting our society as a whole. This cpportuntty to provide time for a peace officer to build relationships, irieract positr/ely with students and staff, and assist with prevention of criminal activity could be most effective in keeping our community a safe one. At this time the school district is see.king conceptual approval from a law enforcemert agency interested in providing this liaison service. At the point this is achieved we would propose a committee made up of both school and law enforcement / city personnel to develop a job description, recommend program specifics and interview for a mutually acceptable carxjidate fo' the position. Program recommendations from this group would then go to the respective boards and councils for final approval. The district befieves that develoing this program with the Orono Police Department would be mutually beneficial in that the schools are within your jurisdiction and require staff time now to deal with student issues. Th’i new source of revenue would allow addition time for an officer to also locus on prevention an j early intervention. Initial discussions by middle and high school staff arnf administration identified the following areas In which a liaison officer could benefit students: *Assist social workers, student assistance teams, and administration in issues related to criminai activity, chemical use. abuse, student conflicts, etc. *Interact with students to build rapport and tnjsl by being present periodically in the bu’Idngs. at school events (ie. sporting events, dances, etc.) or at student center activities (occasional evening or weekend activities such as coffeehouses, volleyba'i toi rnaments. or dances). *Help prevent problem behaviors by presence and followup on mmors. *Educate students on crime related topics through classroom presentations or visits as well as one-on-one during oflice hours or small group work. *Assist with specific programs (current or potential) designed to prevent crime such as the student leader program at me high school (PRIDE), SADD, and a confifci resolution program at the middle school. *Facilitate s»afl development meetings or parent education sessions that pertain to law enforcement (alcohui and drug abuse, violence prevention, abuse issues, etc.) Please feel free to contact me at 449-8351 with any additional questions you may have. I have been asked by our Superintendent, Dr. Wich, to facilitate this process and I am very excited at the opportunity this program will provide for a positive community / school partnership that will benefit young people. Director of Community Fducation I r*<