Proposal offered to expand School Resource Officer program at Westfield Washington Schools

Submitted by Westfield Washington Schools

Westfield Washington Schools (WWS) and the City of Westfield presented a proposal to expand the district’s School Resource Officer (SRO) program during the Oct. 13 WWS Board of School Trustees meeting.

The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the city and the Westfield Police Department at the meeting.

Mayor Scott Willis, Westfield Police Chief Shawn Keen, WWS Director of Personnel and Safety Mike Hall, and WWS Superintendent Dr. John Atha have worked together to develop a long-term approach to school safety that emphasizes highly trained officers, strong relationships with students and staff, and consistent law enforcement presence in schools.

Chief Keen and Westfield Executive Chief of Staff Danielle Carey Tolan shared details of the proposed partnership, which would establish a comprehensive approach to school safety through dedicated officers, specialized training, and stronger relationships with students and staff.

The proposed plan was voted on and adopted by the school board; however, implementation is contingent upon voter approval of the WWS operating referendum on Nov. 3.

The proposed program reflects a vision Chief Keen has advocated for since becoming police chief: developing a team of highly trained law enforcement professionals who specialize in school safety.

Under the proposed partnership, the Westfield Police Department would be responsible for employing, training, supervising, and deploying officers. WWS and the city would coordinate on school safety planning, emergency preparedness, student support, and program implementation. The agreement represents a shared commitment to establishing a sustainable SRO program.

SROs serve a role that extends beyond traditional law enforcement. In addition to helping prevent and respond to safety concerns, they serve as educators, mentors, and trusted adults who build positive relationships with students and staff. While they are not school counselors or disciplinarians, they provide another layer of student support and help strengthen connections between students and law enforcement.

“When I had been superintendent for just 15 days, Chief Keen sat down with me and shared his vision for what a school resource officer program could and should be,” Superintendent Atha said. “He believed we needed more than police officers assigned to schools: we needed highly trained professionals who understand the unique environment of schools, build meaningful relationships with students and staff, and have the training and leadership necessary to keep our schools safe. This plan is truly a win-win for the City of Westfield and Westfield Washington Schools. It is another example of what we can accomplish when we work together and invest in the safety and future of our community.”

The proposed program would include a minimum of 13 SROs, two sergeants, and one lieutenant. This structure would provide dedicated coverage for each school building (there currently are not enough SROs to cover each building full-time), along with consistent supervision, training, and support for officers.

“While Westfield Washington Schools excels in many areas, I believe there is an opportunity to further strengthen the SRO program through a comprehensive, relationship-centered approach,” Chief Keen said. “My vision begins with ensuring that every school has a dedicated SRO to promote safety, build trust, and provide a consistent law enforcement presence. Beyond ensuring adequate staffing, I envision a program that prioritizes meaningful relationships between SROs, students, and school staff. Achieving this goal requires ongoing, specialized training that equips SROs with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage effectively with students, foster positive connections, and respond appropriately to the unique challenges within an educational environment.”

The proposal also outlines a shared financial responsibility between the district and the city. Beginning in 2027, and only if the operating referendum is approved, WWS would cover 80 percent of program costs, with the city covering the remaining 20 percent. This shift would mean WWS could cover about $1 million of the $1.6 million the city currently spends, meaning WPD can reinvest that $1 million back into community safety.

“One of my commitments when running for Mayor was to strengthen public safety throughout Westfield, including in our schools,” Mayor Willis said. “This proposed partnership is another step toward delivering on that promise. By working together, the city and Westfield Washington Schools can establish a stronger, more sustainable school resource officer program while allowing the Westfield Police Department to reinvest approximately $1 million into public safety initiatives throughout our community. This is a responsible approach to taxpayer dollars that prioritizes the safety of our students, teachers, and staff while strengthening public safety for all Westfield residents.”

The proposed SRO program expansion is among the school safety priorities identified in the WWS operating referendum which appears on November’s ballot. The expanded program would not move forward under the proposed funding arrangement unless the referendum passes. Additional planning and formal approvals would also be necessary before implementation.

“I believe our students and staff deserve this level of commitment, and investing in a well-supported, relationship-focused SRO Program is an important investment in the safety, well-being, and success of our entire community,” Chief Keen said.

The recording of the Oct. 13 Board of School Trustees meeting can be seen on the WWS YouTube channel.