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 Town of Orange Park School Resource Officer (SRO) program shall include one full time police officer at each of the three schools within the town boundaries including: Grove Park Elementary School, Orange Park Elementary School, and Orange Park Junior High for the 2024-2025 academic year.

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

The Town of Orange Park has contracted with Clay County District Schools (CCDS) to provide one School Resource Officer at the three schools within their municipality for the school year 2024-2025. The Town of Orange park will continue to partner with CCDS to enhance the connectedness between the local Police Department and the families of students living in Orange Park attending one of the three schools.

During the 2023-2024 school year the Town of Orange Park Police Department planned and implemented Drug Abuse Resistance Education (“DARE”) in collaboration with CCDS personnel. The Town of Orange Park Police Department was also successful in continuing a pedestrian safety program at Grove Park Elementary, Orange Park Elementary, and Orange Park 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; and Town of Orange Park and the Town of Orange Park Police Department.