To: Aaron Rector, Interim City Manager
From: Bradley G. Fortune, Chief of Police
Subject:
Title
Consider a resolution approving an Interlocal Agreement with Keller Independent School District, for the funding of four full-time School Resource Officers, for the Keller Police Department; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents relating thereto on behalf of the City of Keller, Texas.
Background:
The City of Keller and Keller Independent School (KISD) District have had an agreement for funding of School Resource Officers since 1993. The agreement was suspended in 2010 when the school district made cuts to their budget to meet district goals and was reinstated for the 2012/2013 school year. The proposed agreement is proposing four (4) full-time School Resource Officers for the 2024/2025 school year.
The officers will be assigned to Keller High School, Keller Center for Advanced Learning/Indian Springs Middle School, Keller Middle School/Keller Compass Center, and Bear Creek Intermediate School campuses all within the City of Keller. The City will reassign the SRO at Bear Creek Intermediate as a 2nd SRO assigned to Keller High School. This may occur in the 2025-26 school year or the 2026-27 school year, at the latest. If needed, the District shall submit a written request for additional police officers to the City six months prior to the start of a new fiscal year.
The term of this agreement is for August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2027.
It is in the best interest of the community to engage in this Interlocal Agreement with the Keller Independent School District to further the policing philosophy and strategy in our community while working with the middle and high school campuses to ensure an optimum learning environment for students.
Financial Impact:
The agreement outlines that the school district will reimburse the City of Keller for 62.5% of the personnel costs related to School Resource Officers (SROs) for services at specific campuses. These costs include salaries, benefits, and additional expenses such as holiday and court attendance pay. The district will also provide each SRO with an office and computer connected to the Keller Police Department's network. The city will strive to reduce the district's share of the costs to 50% for the 2025-26 school year. Previously, the district reimbursed the city for 75% of the costs. For 2024-25, KISD costs will be $350,564.54 for the staffing.
Legal Review:
The City Attorney has reviewed this agreement.
Alternatives:
City Council has the following alternatives:
- Approve as submitted
- Approve with changes
- Denial
Council Action:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed resolution.