After two regularly scheduled Board meetings and a special work session, the Española School Board finally chose the primary law enforcement agency to provide protection for the District’s schools.
During the Aug. 6 Board meeting, members voted 4-1 in favor of having the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office provide the resource officer for the curent school year. Board member Pablo Lujan voted against District Superintendent Danny Trujillo’s recommendation to use the Sheriff’s Office.
“In regards to the school resource officer position, I have to make a recommendation based on the overall District needs and the overall resources of the agencies applying for the position,” Trujillo said. “My recommendation is to have the County identify a school resource officer for the School District.”
There were additional discussions after the vote and some members chose to qualify the vote they made. In the end, it was the services the County could potentially provide the District that swayed Board members to allow the County to serve the schools.
“I didn’t realize both the city and County had so many resources to help our children,” Board member Ralph Medina said. “However, I did notice the County had so many more resources, so I am going to vote yes for this one, but I hope that we can bring in the city later.”
Española City Council and Rio Arriba County officials both pleaded their cases and listed reasons the District should choose them to work with students in the area.
Española Police Chief Richard Gallegos made a case for continuity and emphasized the relationship his officers have established with the local schools. He said Officer Michelle Talache has been the resource officer for five years and she has created a relationship with the students at both the middle school and high school.
He said he has worked closely with students throughout his career and has passed on his knowledge and expertise to Talache, so she would have the necessary skills for the position.
Gallegos also pointed to the cadet program as one of the Department’s strengths. The Police Department established a cadet program to recruit students as future city police officers. Cadets assist in mentoring students at their respective schools, provide security for events such as the Española Fiesta and act as a liaison between police officers and students.
Police officers have also provided anti-bullying and school shooter training programs to better prepare them for emergencies.
County officials listed the potential services the District could utilize if they were picked to serve the law enforcement needs of the schools.
Rio Arriba County Assistant Manager David Trujillo outlined an initiative where students could present issues they are having at school to County officials. “They described their problems at school and the problems they were having in the home so we could find ways to address these issues,” Trujillo said.
He also said the County has nine community centers, various parks and recreational areas that are equipped with wireless Internet connections. He said parents could drop off their children at these sites and place them in a safe area where they can play or complete their assignments after school.
Lujan asked where the additional money for the position would come from. Officer Michelle Talache was paid $32,000 per year, the County contract could potentially cost the District $40,000.
“That is a good question,” Trujillo said. “Since it was not in the original budget and we went over and above that, we are looking at some additional revenue. We do have some reimbursement money coming in to the District, so we are looking at that to fund this initiative.”
Española Mayor Alice Lucero said this was an important issue for both parties but especially for the city because of financial reasons.
“The city has also submitted in the preliminary budget, which included funding from the schools for the school resource officer position,” Lucero said. “This year, believe it or not, we are 15 percent below revenue from last year and are just barely hanging in there, so it was a big help to have the schools pay for part of her salary. Now, if this doesn’t get approved, then well have to look at funding this position again on a full-time basis.”
City Councilor Peggy Martinez immediately rose to her feet and left the meeting once the issue was decided.
“I have to admit that I am disappointed,” Martinez said. “Sure, the funds would’ve benefited the tight city budget, but overall, the students that have created a trusting relationship with Officer Talache are the ones that really lose. In the end, we didn’t get the results we aspired to get, but we must continue to forge ahead, resolving to work together in the best interest of our community.”