By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM – The community is split on the idea of hiring an in-school officer, according to Potsdam Central School Superintendent Joann Chambers.

Chambers said she has had talked with Potsdam Police Chief Mark Murray about having a rotation of officers working in the school instead of hiring a police officer, which some refer to as a "student resource officer" or "school resource offiver" (SRO).

“You can’t underestimate student safety,” Chambers said, adding that the district will do, “everything we can to keep students safe.”

Talks, although preliminary, would see the police department hire a new officer, allowing them to allocate more time for school security.

The school board has been considering the employment of a school resource officer, or potentially increasing collaboration with the Potsdam Village Police Department, Chambers said.

PCS would potentially enter into a shared service agreement with the village for the officer.

There is also discussion of hiring a retired law enforcement officer that would be unarmed.

Should the school decide to add an officer, the cost would remain around $30,000 to the district.

The district conducted a community forum on school safety April 3, which was a follow-up to a similar event held Feb. 5

The Board of Education is interested in feedback from parents and staff on the issue of school safety and security, according to Chambers.

The board is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks, Chambers said

Feedback will help inform the board's decision-making on this matter, she said

A budget hearing is slated for May 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the middle school. It will take place prior to a regularly schedule Board of Education meeting. The public is encouraged to attend.