^[1](washington.k12.ia.us)

The Washington School Board has tabled a vote to hire a school police officer “for at least a year” despite at least five students already being charged this year for crimes that took place on school property. In September, School board member Richard Boardwell questioned the wisdom of hiring a “School Resource Officer” when the school needs more teachers, and questioned how the new $81,000 position, with a yearly salary of nearly $54,000, would be funded.  Superintendent Dr. Mike Jorgensen said the 69% of costs the school would pay comes from an “at-risk” account with nearly $200,000, which can only be spent on certain projects, not including costs related to hiring most teachers.  A Washington school board member said the school resource officer was still a good idea but some in the district think “this is not the time”.