Town of Greece, school district at odds over cost of resource officers
By
Spectrum News Staff
Greece
PUBLISHED 3:19 PM ET Aug. 17, 2022PUBLISHED 3:19 PM EDT Aug. 17, 2022
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GREECE, N.Y. — The union representing the Greece Police Department is speaking out after negotiations over the cost of school resource officers failed between the town and the school district.
The Greece Central School District wants to increase school resource officer coverage from four days a week to five with the Greece Uniformed Patrolmen's Association saying it has never been more important to have officers in schools.
The district planned for an extra day of service in the coming school year, increasing its resource officer budget from $190,000 to $240,000. However, the town says it will cost more than $100,000 on top of that.
In a statement, the district said in part:
The town of Greece responded by saying since 2009, the contracts have increased to cover costs of personnel, health care, and salaries based on a 12-month per year officer contract.
Town officials refute the claim that there was no notice and in a statement said in part:
The district has launched a public feedback campaign calling on families to contact the town about the district's need for Monday - Friday officer coverage on campus at the cost it planned for.
Greece CSD leaders say they have begun conversations with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and outside security contractors to provide the services if necessary. However, they say they do not want to terminate their relationship with the Greece Police Department.