Plymouth City Council approves updated MOU for School Resource Officers

The Plymouth City Council approved a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Monday night between the Plymouth Police Department and the Plymouth Community School Corporation, securing the continued presence of two School Resource Officers (SROs) in local schools under an updated compensation structure.

The new agreement, which takes effect after the current contract expires at the end of this school year, outlines the assignment of the SROs and the financial responsibilities of the school corporation. This past year marked the first time the school corporation utilized two SROs, paying the City of Plymouth $50,000 per officer for 180 days of service.

City Attorney Jeff Houin presented the details of the new MOU to the council, noting several key changes. The updated contract increases the school's financial contribution, reduces the required days of service from 180 to 175, and includes a built-in 3% annual increase.

Under the new financial terms, the school corporation will pay an annual total of $163,450. This will be divided into two payments of $81,725, with the first due on or before September 15th and the second due on or before February 15th.

The new contract is established for a one-year term but includes the option of two renewals, potentially extending the agreement to a total of three years.

Houin also explained that the MOU specifically names officers Bridget Hite and Steve DeLee as the designated School Resource Officers. This specific designation is designed to assure the school corporation that the assigned officers have successfully completed the required specialized training through the National Association of School Resource Officers.

Because the officers are explicitly named in the document, Houin noted that any future changes to the SRO personnel would require a formal amendment to the contract.