In a recent meeting of the Calvert County Public Schools Board of Education, significant discussions centered around the staffing of School Resource Officers (SROs) and the financial implications of various programs. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance school safety, particularly as seven schools currently lack dedicated SROs. The board discussed a phased approach to hiring, aiming to add two SROs each year, a plan that has been in place since the current leadership took over.

Sheriff Cox and Chief Financial Officer O'Donnell were involved in the discussions regarding the allocation of these officers, emphasizing the importance of ensuring adequate coverage across campuses. For instance, Plum Point Elementary and Plum Point Middle School share an SRO, raising concerns about the adequacy of security resources in these schools. The board expressed a desire for future changes in SRO assignments to be brought back for review, indicating a commitment to transparency and community safety.

Additionally, the board addressed budgetary concerns, particularly regarding the funding of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program, which faced a reduction of $125,000. This reduction was attributed to a grant from the federal government rather than a direct cut from the school budget, clarifying that the program's funding structure remains intact.

The meeting also touched on the need for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with county finance officials to ensure financial stability, especially as the district plans to utilize fund balance to close out the fiscal year. The absence of a finance director in the county raised concerns about potential cash flow issues, prompting board members to seek assurances that the district would not face critical shortages.

Overall, the discussions underscored the board's commitment to enhancing school safety while navigating financial challenges. As the board moves forward, the focus will remain on staffing needs and securing necessary funding to support educational programs and student safety initiatives.