No substitute for SRO officers

A suggestion that money could be saved by switching from Sheriff’s deputy School Resource Officers (SRO’s) to private security officers went nowhere at the July 12 St. Martin School Board meeting.
Opinions offered by school officials, including Breaux Bridge High Principal Louis Blanchard, said school security officers need the authority only police officers have. He said that, without police powers, security personnel are hesitant to touch children, even to break up fights.
Superintendent Lottie Beebe said that just the presence of police officers eliminates many discipline problems. The cost of SRO salaries is split between schools and the Sheriff’s Office.
Blanchard said he has had experience with private security officers in the past, and the administration often had to call for Sheriff’s deputies when problems arose. Board member Aaron Flegeance said, “Teachers need real police officers to feel secure.” The council voted to renew the SRO contract.
In other business, the board recognized Cox Communications and the Jim Cox Foundation for a $250,000 grant to help bring the TeleHealth network to all St. Martin Parish Schools. An award in appreciation of the grant was presented to Cox representative Julie Dronet. Currently, the program only exists in a pilot program at Stephensville Elementary School, where it has proven to be very effective.
Beebe said the network is of great value in providing in-school access to medical and mental health providers. She added that it can reduce absences when doctor visits are needed for simple problems that can be addressed at school through the TeleHealth system.
Awards were presented for school system employees of the month for May and June. Cecilia High Agriculture Science teacher John Cramer was the recipient for May and Early Learning Center principal Jessica Landry was presented the award for June.
Also, St. Martin Hospital CEO Karen Wyble and her staff were given a certificate of appreciation for their competent care of 57 children who were involved in a school bus accident on May 5. Board member Burton Dupuis said the management and staff displayed “excellent training and skill,” in handling the crisis as if it were an everyday occurrence.
The board voted to renew the existing insurance policy covering Worker’s Compensation claims in excess of the covered amount. The premium rate of $109,484 is basically unchanged.
The effects of recent decreases in sales tax revenues were discussed.
Some board members said it may become necessary to take measures to preserve account balances by temporarily reducing supplemental payments to employees. Revenues from sales tax district 2 are dedicated to the supplemental salary payments for teachers and other employees. They were conceived to allow flexibility in case of financial changes.