To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Jack Cauley, Chief of Police
Title
Resolution Approving the Execution of the Second Amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement Between Douglas County School District Re-1 and the Town of Castle Rock Regarding the Sharing of Costs for Providing Police Officers to Act as School Resource Officers
Body
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Executive Summary
The safety and security of our student population in Castle Rock remain a top priority for our community. No community is immune from the potential for acts of violence or other safety-related incidents, which have occurred at schools across the country, including within our state and county. In Castle Rock, we have implemented strong precautionary measures and best practices within the schools to ensure the safety of students, professional staff, and visitors. School Resource Officers (SROs) play a critical role in this safety strategy.
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) and the Town of Castle Rock have agreed to a cost-sharing model for a total of nine (9) SROs and two (2) SRO sergeants. This agreement includes a 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement for all eleven (11) positions. Additionally, the agreement encompasses cost-sharing for one-time capital expenses related to equipment and vehicles for the three newly added positions. For the 2025-2026 school year, DCSD will contribute a total of $1,156,140.86 to the Town of Castle Rock.
History of Past Town Council or Other Discussion
School Marshal Officer (SMO) Program
In 2012, following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, Castle Rock Police partnered with DCSD to develop and implement the School Marshal Officer (SMO) program. Initially, two (2) officers were assigned to elementary and alternative schools in Castle Rock to provide additional security and student mentorship. Over time, the SMO program evolved into the School Resource Officer (SRO) program detailed below.
In 2024, voters approved a sales tax increase to fund public safety, which included the continuation of funding for two current SROs as a 50% now at a cost-sharing agreement with DCSD. Previously DCSD agreed to fully fund these two SRO’s for one year (2024-2025 school year) The tax increase also allowed for the addition of two more SROs and one SRO Sergeant.
Discussion School Resource Officer (SRO) Program
The Castle Rock Police Department and DCSD collaborate to maintain safe and secure environments for students, staff, and visitors. Under this agreement, Castle Rock PD will provide nine (9) full-time SROs and two (2) SRO sergeants.
Under this amended agreement, DCSD and the Town of Castle Rock will contract for a total of nine (9) SROs and two (2) SRO sergeants, allocated as follows:
• Two (2) SROs covering one (1) high school
• Two (2) SROs covering two (2) middle schools
• Five (5) SROs covering fourteen (14) elementary, charter, and alternative schools, averaging 2.8 schools per officer, with an average of 2.5 hours at each school
SROs are assigned to various schools, including Castle View High School, Castle Rock Middle School, Mesa Middle School, and additional elementary, charter, and alternative schools within the town. The SRO sergeants oversee the SRO team and assist with operational management, as well as visiting schools and filling in when SROs are absent.
The cost-sharing model ensures that DCSD contributes fifty percent (50%) of the total SRO program costs, including salary, benefits, equipment, and vehicles. Aspen View Academy (AVA) and World Compass Academy (WCA) will continue to independently fund their respective SROs and are not included in this agreement.
School Resource Officers’ Responsibilities
SROs serve multiple roles, including providing safe learning environments, acting as resources for school staff, fostering positive relationships with students, and protecting all students to help them achieve their full potential.
They utilize a "triad concept" consisting of educator, informal counselor, and law enforcement officer. Their presence adds a critical layer to school security by building trust with students and identifying behavioral concerns early, ensuring timely intervention.
SROs also collaborate with school administrators on several safety-related initiatives, including:
• School safety and security plans
• Emergency preparedness drills (e.g., fire, lockout, lockdown, shelter-in-place)
• School Crisis Team participation
• Threat assessment and investigation of school threats
Douglas County School District’s Contribution
Under the revised agreement, DCSD will share costs equally with the Town of Castle Rock for nine (9) SROs and two (2) SRO sergeants. Additionally, DCSD will contribute to the one-time capital expenses for equipment and vehicles for three newly added positions. The total amount DCSD will pay for the 2025-2026 school year is $1,156,140.86.
Budget Impact
The cost-sharing model ensures that DCSD and the Town of Castle Rock each cover 50% of the total program costs, including salaries, benefits, equipment, and vehicles. The financial impact is mitigated through this shared responsibility, reinforcing the commitment to student and school safety.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the Resolution.
Proposed Motion
"I move to approve the Resolution as introduced by title."
Alternate Motions
"I move to approve the Resolution as introduced by title with the following changes: ______" "I move to continue this item to a future Town Council agenda on _____ to allow additional time to (list information needed)."
Attachments
• Attachment A: Resolution
• Attachment B: Second Amendment to the Agreement between Douglas County School District and the Town of Castle Rock
• Attachment C: First Amendment to the Agreement between Douglas County School District and the Town of Castle Rock
• Attachment D: Intergovernmental Agreement between Douglas County School District RE-1 and the Town of Castle Rock Regarding the Sharing Costs for Providing Police Officers to Act as School Resource Officers