The Marion Central School District Board of Education hosted an Open Forum with members of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, Feb. 16.

Sergeant Larry Linder and Deputy Caitlyn Fitzgerald represented the Sheriff’s Office in a discussion about School Resource Officers (SROs).

The Board is considering adding an SRO to the 2023-24 School Budget and Sergeant Linder and Deputy Fitzgerald fielded questions from Board members and community residents about the role SROs play in schools.

An SRO is a sworn law enforcement officer who works with school administrators to provide a safe and secure environment. SROs work to build relationships with students, staff and the community, are a regular presence in classrooms and can teach lessons on various topics including computer safety, bullying, vaping, gun safety and home safety. SROs also participate in the development of school safety plans and in peer mediation and can be a regular presence at after-school events.

“I was pleased with the forum,” Board President Rob Marshall said. “The discussion provided valuable information about SROs and will help us in our decision-making process moving forward.”

Marshall said the District will conduct a community survey to solicit feedback on SROs and results of the survey will help shape decisions on including funding for an SRO in the May budget vote.