(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- The Cedar Rapids School Board approves the district's School Resource Officer contract with Cedar Rapids Police, but with a change. On a 5-2 vote, the board keeps SROs in the district, but amends the contact to remove the two floating officers and their respective costs.
"The same services that are provided now by SROs can be provided for free by us calling 911 or the police non-emergency number," says District 3 Board of Education Director Jennifer Borcherding. "I think its responsible for us as a board to use that funding elsewhere to support students in their intellectual and emotional growth."
At-Large Board of Education Director Jennifer Neumann says diverting funds to other supports hurts the district's ability to protect its students.
"It is also our goal to keep [students] safe, so that they can be future ready," says Neumann. "I don't believe that this amendment and the test change in the contract keeps children any safer."
Community members voiced their opinions before the school board's vote. Those in approval of renewing the SRO contact argued the officers keep schools safer. Others argued against SROs, saying black students are disproportionately punished by the officers.
The school district recommended the board approve the contract, prior to the amendment to remove the two floating officers.