School district to begin paying half of resource officer’s salary

An intergovernmental agreement between the Grafton School District and Village of Grafton for a school resource officer will save the police department money.

During the village’s Finance Committee on Monday, members unanimously approved a plan to have the district reimburse the village for 50% of the cost for time the officer works in Grafton schools.

Until now, the police department has covered the full cost. 

“The (school resource officer) program is funded by the police department, which is unusual,” Chief Jeff Caponera said. “From a cost sharing point of view, this will give more flexibility to the Grafton Police Department.”

Last month, the Grafton School Board agreed to add the salary for the resource officer to the district’s 2021-22 budget.

Officials said a resource officer typically spends 1,512 hours per year at Grafton schools, with Grafton High School being the main campus where most time is spent.

About 69% of the officer’s total time on duty is spent at Grafton schools, which the district agreed to pay for 50% of that time for the officer’s salary and benefits. 

There is currently not a dedicated resource officer since Dan Radtke retired from the Grafton department last year.

Caponera said the program is effective in developing a positive relationship between the police and young people and helping prevent delinquency and alcohol and substance abuse.

The Village Board is expected to approve the agreement at its next meeting Monday, Dec. 21.