Superintendent Theresa Kane told selectmen Massachusetts' new anti-bullying legislation will result in "a tremendous need" for a school resource officer.
LUDLOW - The Board of Selectmen and the School Committee are trying to find a way to rehire the school resource officer.
The Police Department has applied for a three-year federal grant to hire an additional police officer and should learn if it receives the funds by Sept. 1.
Theresa M. KaneIf federal funding is not received for an additional police officer, Police Chief James J. McGowan has told town administrator Ellie Villano that his department will pay half the salary for a school resource officer.
The position was cut last year because of a lack of funds. Prior to that the position had been funded for 10 years.
The School Committee planned to meet to discuss whether it could fund half the position. To hire an additional patrolman will cost $41,000.
School Superintendent Theresa M. Kane told selectmen at their Tuesday night meeting that with the new anti-bullying legislation there will be “a tremendous need” for a school resource officer.
Kane said the legislation is going to require many investigations and follow up investigations of bullying complaints.
“We are not staffed for this,” Kane said, adding, “A school resource officer will help.”
Selectmen chairman William E. Rooney said he feels there is a need for a school resource officer. Like any community, Ludlow has drug issues in the community and in the schools, Rooney said.
Selectman Antonio Dos Santos said, “We should make this a priority. We are all the town of Ludlow. We need to find the funds.”
Kane said, “We do have very safe schools, and the police have always been right there for us.” She called the rehiring of a school resource officer “a preemptive action.”
Kane also said she would like to see officer Paul Dobek returned to the schools if funds become available. She said the School Department may not be able to fund any part of the position.