TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Cale Curtis, City Manager
DATE: November 20, 2019
Title
RESOLUTION - APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR PARTIAL FUNDING OF FOUR (4) SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS IN ATLANTIC WEST ELEMENTARY, MARGATE ELEMENTARY, LIBERTY ELEMENTARY AND MARGATE MIDDLE SCHOOLS FOR AUGUST 14, 2019 THROUGH JUNE 3, 2020; AUTHORIZING ADMINISTRATION TO RENEW THIS ANNUAL AGREEMENT UNDER THE SAME TERMS WITHOUT FURTHER COMMISSION ACTION; PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATE.
BACKGROUND: The City of Margate has provided for partial funding and placement of a School Resource Officer (SRO) in Margate public schools since 1987. This Agreement provides for placement and partial funding of four SROs, for the 2019-2020 school year, in Margate’s four public schools. This year’s Agreement has an additional provision, to comply with the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (hereinafter “Act”), of an option for the City to purchase and store gun safes or gun lockers at any Participating School.
The School Board of Broward County (SBBC), Broward League of Cities, Broward City County Manager’s Association (BCCMA), Florida Sheriffs Association, and individual counties and municipalities throughout Florida have all been weighing in on the requirements of the Act and the budgetary impact. The general consensus is that municipalities are not obligated to fund SROs in schools, and that the Act places the burden of funding the SRO program upon the school board. Funding under the Act is provided directly to area school boards.
RECOMMENDATION: Approval
FISCAL IMPACT: This Agreement provides for the School Board of Broward County to pay the City $218,400 for partial funding of four School Resource Officers. (001-0000-342.20-03)
CONTACT PERSON: Jonathan Shaw, Chief of Police