​Kincardine urged to reconsider decision to drop support for school resource officer

A group of concerned parents is urging Kincardine council to reconsider its decision to no longer support the school resource officer.

Jonathan Jones and Stephanie Cowan, representing the parent councils at St. Anthony’s School and Ecole Elgin Market Public School, respectively, were among a group of people on hand at the council meeting Wednesday night (May 22), as a delegation, reminding council of the importance of this police officer in the lives of the students in the Kincardine and area schools.

Jones stressed that contrary to councillor Bill Stewart’s comments at the March 13 meeting, St. Anthony’s is involved with the school resource officer and “has always passionately respected, supported, and appreciated the unique gift this officer has brought in building a relationship of trust between the police and our children.”

The group is concerned that March 13, council approved a three-year contract with the current school resource officer, South Bruce OPP constable Ceilidh Jackson, by a recorded vote of 5-4, with councillors Rory Cavanagh, Amanda Steinhoff-Gray, Doug Kennedy, Jennifer Prenger and Mike Hinchberger in favour, while mayor Kenneth Craig, deputy mayor Andrea Clarke and councillors Beth Blackwell and Stewart were against.

However, at the March 27 meeting, when Steinhoff-Gray was absent, council defeated the motion to sign the contract, by a recorded vote of 5-3, with Kennedy, Cavanagh and Hinchberger in favour, and Craig, Clarke, Blackwell, Stewart and Prenger against.

Jones made a plea to any councillor, “who feels able to bring a motion to reconsider this issue, giving every councillor the opportunity to vote – this community would know the value of your voice.”

He said the group understands the reservations council has about the school resource officer – both ideological and financial.

“We fully appreciate research exists which indicates a mixed picture concerning the school resource officers in larger cities, such as Toronto and Hamilton,” he said. “We believe this specific data does not apply here in Kincardine. We strongly feel at the very least further research is needed as you, yourselves, have wisely suggested in previous council meetings.

“Our data is not from a published scientific journal but comes from sharing and seeking the perspectives of so many valued members of our community: principals, teachers, and other dedicated front-line professionals who reach our children every day. And, of course, most importantly of all, our children, themselves.”

Jones said the group understands the impact of the annual cost of $120,000 for the school resource officer. However, the $77,000/year council paid “appears a relatively modest sum when compared to the $35-million annual operating budget. Indeed that equates to less than $30 per year or about eight cents per day per child.

“Our understanding is not only your own $77,000 but also the $32,788 grant from the Solicitor General remain untouched, while our children are denied the opportunity to continue to build this relationship of trust with their school resource officer. Are times really so hard that our children should miss out on this vital avenue of support?”

He said the group is open to any proposals council has to fill this void. “We do not feel tied to the current arrangement indefinitely, but while further research is being conducted, we believe the return of the highly-valued school resource officer represents the best way to provide the best value financially,  the best opportunity for continuing to build this all-important relationship of trust, and the best possible safety for our children.”



Jonathan Jones (left) of the St. Anthony's School parent council, speaks to Kincardine council about reconsidering its decision to no longer support the school resource officer, at Wednesday night's council meeting; the two guys at the right were NOT part of the delegation

Cowan was prepared to read two letters, outlining the benefits of the school resource officer program. However, Craig allowed only one letter to be read.

So, Cowan read one from a troubled teen who ended up successful because of the support of this officer.

“In 9th grade, I started to rebel,” states the letter. “I had problems with authority figures. I would spend most days skipping class to smoke weed and most weekends (and some week nights) drinking alcohol to the point of blacking out.

“The school resource officer would check in on me often and then I started checking in with the officer, and for a teen who disliked authority figures, this speaks volumes.

“One weekend in 10th grade, I partied all weekend and stayed at a friend’s house. I hadn’t checked in with my parents. I didn’t go to class on Monday or Tuesday. Just before lunch on Tuesday, I got a call from a friend telling me I was reported as a missing person. The relationship I had built with the school resource officer meant that individual knew me well enough to know where I may be and who I may be with. The officer tracked me down quickly and easily.

“I was scared of the repercussions and I wanted to change my life and stop the nonsense. The officer was an invaluable liaison between my school, my parents, the police, and myself. The officer coached and supported me through rebellion, high school, substance abuse, self-harm, teenage pregnancy, and so much more.

“I am now in my 30s. I have very healthy relationships with my parents, friends and my partner. I have three beautiful children. I make six figures. I am an active member in my community. I genuinely believe my path was influenced by the school resource officer, and I am so thankful.

“Please do not take this invaluable resource from our kids. The effects will show in the quality of our community members for years to come.”

Cavanagh noted that at the time council made its decision about the contract with the school resources officer, there was an understanding that something had to be in place by April 1. However, that deadline has been extended, he said.

As council members attempted to discuss the issue, Craig said there is no debate following a delegation, according to the procedural bylaw. The issue can be referred to staff and a report brought back at a future meeting, or a notice of motion for reconsideration can be presented, with the matter to be discussed at a future meeting.

Later in the meeting, Steinhoff-Gray put forward a notice of motion to reconsider the school resource officer issue, with a full council vote.

“Keep in mind that the motion was not about the school resource officer,” said Craig, “but the funding and what it would be used for.”

“We were talking about the officer’s contract (March 27),” said Stewart. “We voted on it and agreed not to go ahead with it. Not the funding. The time has expired; how can we bring it forward again?”

“We will discuss it at a future meeting,” said Craig.

Chief administrative officer Jillene Bellchamber-Glazier said the contract did originally have a deadline. However, the former Kincardine Police Services Board stated that more time could be made available if council wanted to reconsider its decision.

“We can debate this at a future meeting,” said Craig.

For more information about the school resource officer program, click here: kincardinerecord.com/story.php?id=15932.