The Melcher-Dallas School District, Twin Cedars School District, and Marion County are pleased to announce a collaborative agreement to fund a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) to serve both school districts.
The SRO will be employed by Marion County, and the county will establish sharing agreements with both school districts. Marion County approved the hiring of the resource and partnership during the September 23 County Board of Supervisors meeting, and the two districts will bring the 28E agreement to their respective boards in October. Both districts have discussed the SRO position possibility during several board meetings.
Under the agreement, the cost of the School Resource Officer (SRO) will be split among three parties: Twin Cedars School District and Melcher-Dallas School District will each cover 26%, while Marion County will pay the remaining 48%. Both districts will receive state funding in the amount of $16,000 and have budgeted for the remaining cost for the 2025-26 school year.
In the districts, the SRO will play a key role in promoting student safety, strengthening community connections, and supporting proactive law enforcement. Beyond maintaining a secure and orderly school environment, the SRO will also serve as an educator, mentor, and trusted resource—delivering classroom presentations on topics like internet safety and substance abuse prevention, while building strong relationships with students, families, and staff.
Shared Superintendent Scott Bridges emphasized the importance of the new role, stating, “At Melcher-Dallas and Twin Cedars, student safety is our top priority. This initiative is another important step toward ensuring our schools remain safe, supportive environments where students can thrive. It complements the many other measures we’ve already put in place to protect and support our students every day."
Marion County anticipates posting the SRO position within the next 30 days. Bridges added, “Our next steps include formal approval of the shared agreements by both school boards. We look forward to introducing our communities to the new SRO once the hiring process is complete.”