BCSD approves second SRO

BONNERS FERRY — The Boundary County School Board has approved a second school resources officer for the district’s outlying schools.

At Monday’s meeting, the board approved a second resource officer since they have been unable to hire behavioral specialists through the use of federal funds. The officer will serve Mt. Hall and Naples elementary schools. The position will be full time on a one-year basis.

SROs are jointly funded by the school district, city of Bonners Ferry and Boundary County.

The supplemental levy ballot, also known as the maintenance and operations levy, was approved at the meeting unanimously, but is pending approval for the levy amount per $1,000. The levy is for $2.4 million and will cover expenses not covered by the state, such as teacher salaries, transportation for extracurricular activities, curriculum materials, safety and maintenance. The levy is to run in the March 2023 election.

BCSD officials have projected that if the levy fails, 25% of the district’s workforce will have to be cut. The district would lose 20 or more classified staff, one principal and eight to 10 teachers since their salaries are paid through levy funding.

BCSD is appropriating funds for bleacher construction at Mendenhall Stadium.

In order to make the bleachers ADA compliant, the district will have to add a path from the north gate to the bleachers and make other structural changes.

The board approved this project in a 4-0 vote at the November meeting.

BCSD is continuing their policy review. Policies under review are available at the district website. Also on the website are minutes of past meetings and executive council.

The next BCSD board of trustees meeting is Dec. 12 at the district office, 7188 Oak St., Bonners Ferry.