In a 15-minute business meeting tonight (7.9.18), the LSB (Lakeland School Board) approved 13 items and moved action on a 14th item, a School Resource Officer (SRO), to August.
Meeting agenda: https://lakelandk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/7.9.18-Business-Meeting-Agenda.pdf
Link to other items on agenda: https://lakelandk12.org/about/board/agendasandminutes/
Chairman Kevin Floyd introduced the SRO request for LES (Lakeland Elementary School). He asked Dr. Ted Horrell, Lakeland School System (LSS) superintendent, if there are grant funds available to pay an SRO. Dr. Horrell said grant funds are available but not enough to fund an SRO.
Dr. Horrell estimated it would cost $50K to fund the position, filling it with a retired Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputy. He noted LSS has the ability to fund this position.
Mr. Floyd asked what would be the next steps to secure an SRO for LES. Dr. Horrell said do a budget amendment, write a job description, post the position, interview candidates and get someone by the end of August.
Board Member Geoff Hicks asked if there is funding through the Tennessee Legislature. Dr. Horrell said he is fairly certain any of that funding requires hiring an off-duty deputy and not a retired deputy. Mr. Hicks said he would investigate the possibility of funding. Vice Chair Laura Harrison said she is fully supportive of this measure.
Board members Teresa Henry and Kelley Hale were not at the meeting.
The LSB asked Dr. Horrell to bring the budget amendment and job description to the August meeting.
Dr. Horrell announced school registration is Aug. 7 and LSS has an updated website and a new communication tool called Remind.com. The first day of school for students is Aug. 13.
Link to the new website: https://lakelandk12.org/
Link to livestream of the meeting: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/8284962
