The Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education voted to hire a School Resource Officer (SRO) to serve two of its schools, approving an annual expenditure of up to $200,000 in a contentious 6-1 vote that followed a failed attempt to delay the decision.

During its regular meeting on June 11, the board approved the hiring of an SRO who will be assigned to Summit Hill Jr. High School and Hilda Walker Intermediate School. The decision came after extensive board discussion and public comment from four residents: Gail Worthman, Carrey Bunda, Matthew Spreadbury, and Melissa Morino.

The path to approval was marked by division. Board member John Winter made the initial motion, seconded by Adrian Chavez, to approve the hiring. However, Chavez then immediately made a subsequent motion, seconded by Joy Murphy, to table the SRO approval. This attempt to postpone the decision failed in a 2-5 vote, forcing the board to proceed with a final vote on the hiring.

In the final roll call, the measure passed 6-1. Board members Amy Berk, John Winter, Ronnie Petrey, Melissa Ryan, Patrick Oliphant, and Adrian Chavez voted in favor. Joy Murphy cast the sole dissenting vote against the motion.

The approved annual cost of “not to exceed $200,000” will cover the salary, benefits, and associated costs of a uniformed law enforcement officer on campus. The SRO’s role typically includes providing security, building relationships with students and staff, and acting as a resource for law-related education and counseling. Placing an officer at the junior high and intermediate school levels addresses security across a critical age range in the district.

The board’s split vote reflects a broader national conversation about the presence of law enforcement in schools. Proponents argue SROs are essential for preventing violence and responding rapidly to emergencies, while critics sometimes raise concerns about the potential for negative impacts on school climate and student discipline. With the vote, Summit Hill joins many other suburban districts that utilize SROs as a key component of their safety and security plans.