03-14-1994 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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>• / » ' . / • / • •*''. ^ ‘ ,•' ' /’ • ’; *» .1 .-• '' / - r'. .r . rr ‘‘ . ^__________ \ A M r Melami C DCLUCA CoMMummr CouCAnoii D mcctoii BmAN BC1IC$T«0« ASSfSTAMT COiiwiwmr COUCATlOti OltCCTOR Dale; Feb. 8,1994 Dear Chief Sulfivan, The Orono Board of Education has authorized a levy of approximately $11,000 to address trime related costs*. The levy's primary irUent is to allow school districts to contract with a city or county law enforcement agerx;y to provide a peace offcer for liaison services in the district's middle and high schools. This funding has already been levied for the 93-94 fiscal year and for 94-95. Our desire is to proceed as expediently as possible so that a program could be in place as soon as possible. While the Orono School District by comparison is a very safe and positive place for young people, we can not ignore the disturbing issues of violence and fear that are affectirtg our society as a whole. This opportunity to provide time for a peace officer to build relationships, interact positively with students and staff, and assist with prevention of criminal activity could be rrx)St effective in keeping our community a safe one. At this time the school district is seeking conceptual approval from a law enforcement agency interested in providing this liaison service. At the point this is achieved we would propose a committee made up of both school arxj law enforcement / city personnel to develop a job description, recommend program specifics and interview for a mutually acceptable candidate for the position. Program recommendations from this group would then go to the respective boards and councils for final approval. The district believes that developing this program with the Orono Police DeparlmenI would be mutually beneficial in that the schools are within your jurisdiction and require staff lime now to deal with student issues. This new source of revenue would allow addition time for an officer to also focus on prevention and early intervention. Orono pubuc Schools • 705 OLD C rystal B ay ROAD N orth , RO. Box 36 • Long Lake . Minnesota 55356-0036 • 612.449.8350 Initial discussions by middle and high school staff and 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 criminal activity, chemical use. abuse, student conflicts, etc. * Interact with students to build rapport and trust by being present periodically in the buildings, at school events (ie. sporting events, dances, etc.) or at student center activities (occasional evening or weekend activities such as coffeehouses, volleyball tournaments, or dances). * Help prevent problem behaviors by presence and followup on rumors. * Educate students on crime related topics through classroom presentations or visits as well as one-on-one during office hours or srrtall group work. * Assist with specific programs (current or potential) designed to prevent crime such as the student leader program at the high school (PRIDE), SADD, and a conflict resolution program at the middle school. * Facilitate staff development meetings or parent education sessions that pertain to law enforcement (alcohol 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. Mich, 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. Sincerely, Melanie DeLuca Director of Community Education