Interlocal Agreement (ILA) to provide School Resource Officers (SROs) to meet the requirements of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, Ch. 2018-3. This agreement with the City of Green Cove Springs Police Department (GCPD) SRO program shall include one full time police officer at each of the two schools within the city boundaries including Charles E. Bennett Elementary School and Green Cove Springs Junior High for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The BOARD approved an interlocal agreement on June 6, 2024 between the BOARD, the CITY, and the GCPD concerning the same subject matter as this Agreement.  The CITY and GCPD have requested a cost increase from the June 6th ILA due to union salary negotiations and increased operational expenditures.

The City of Green Cove Springs has contracted with Clay County District Schools (CCDS) to provide one School Resource Officer at the two schools within their municipality for the school year 2023-2024. The City of Green Cove Springs will continue to partner with the BOARD to enhance the connectedness between the local Police Department and the families of students living in Green Cove Springs attending one of the two schools.

During the 2023-2024 school year the Green Cove Springs Police Department planned and implemented Drug Abuse Resistance Education (“DARE”) in collaboration with CCDS personnel. The Green Cove Springs Police Department was also successful in continuing a pedestrian safety program at Charles E. Bennett Elementary and Green Cove Springs Junior High.

CCDS will remain in compliance with school safety requirements per Florida Administrative Code 6A- 1.0018. The presence of the SROs on campuses will strengthen relationships between the local police department and students and families within the community; fostering community connectedness, and improved campus security.  The presence of SROs on campus helps build trust and rapport with students, creating a safer and more supportive atmosphere.  

Ensure fiscal responsibility through the effective management of district operations in an effort to maximize available resources necessary to provide an environment that is safe, efficient, and conducive to learning.

Approve the Agreement between the School Board of Clay County, Florida; City of Green Cove Springs, Florida; and Green Cove Springs Police Department.