Trigg County Schools could be receiving a fourth school resource officer — one that would serve in a unique, part-time role.
During Thursday’s Board of Education meeting, Trigg County Sheriff Aaron Acree detailed a plan to board members and Superintendent Bill Thorpe, in which his office would provide a trained individual for county activities and, more importantly, away trips for athletes.
Acree lauded the Cadiz Police Department and its efforts to procure not one, not two, but three school resource officers — which admirably serve the school district in a variety of ways.
But following a conversation with Cadiz Police Chief Duncan Wiggins, Acree said it’s become apparent that the schedule should require some athletic events both near and far, and that his office can afford to lend aid at their own expense — thus alleviating the CPD.
Acree noted that his sheriff’s office is already assisting the SRO’s in some county events. In creating a part-time officer on duty, however, he said he could then assign them to not only assist locally, but elsewhere — perhaps in Caldwell County, Graves County, Daviess County, or anywhere, really.
Not only would this help other jurisdictions with peacekeeping and safety efforts, but Acree said the efforts could be used judiciously. Asked how the officer would be assigned, Acree said population sizes and distance would be key factors, and that contact with other agencies will help link up needs.
And expectations, Acree said, would be high.
Not only would an officer be able to sweep buses, protect locker rooms and help with potentially unruly players, officials and fans, Acree said there could even be a need to de-escalate concerns within Trigg County’s travelers at some point.
Board member Gayle Rufli, whose husband (John) has long refereed regional soccer, said the continued struggle to find officials often stems from consistent abuse on the sidelines.
Acree said the position would be starting “from the ground up,” but that there’s support from both Trigg Fiscal Court and the school system for this to come to fruition.
In other board news:
— Following weeks of internal review, Board Chair Jo Alyce Harper read an “exemplary” annual report of Thorpe and his performance, which was unanimously accepted 5-0.
— Thorpe reported that following extremely successful fundraising efforts within the district, Trigg County Schools will be sending more than $4,900 to the counties of east Kentucky experiencing the harrowing rebuild after the floods.
— Director of Personnel James Mangels reported that after eight school days, enrollment is up from last year, but attendance averages have opened sluggish. This is in line with several other districts in west Kentucky.
Furthermore, he noted this year’s biggest class jumps in Trigg County came at kindergarten (with 165), second grade (with 148), sophomores (with 176) and seniors (with 160). The total increase from these four groups compared to last year is 105 students, with kindergarten (+33) seeing the largest leap.
— Director of Operations Matt Ladd said that large shipping loads are going to start arriving for the construction of the new co-curricular building “soon,” and he’s urging staff and families to remain patient because traffic “will be disrupted” at times: particularly along Lafayette Street.
The expected completion of this construction is October/November 2023.
— The board closed with executive session that was pursuant to KRS 61.810, in which the matter of “buying or selling property” was discussed. No action was taken afterward.
