Bethlehem Tp: School Resource Officer Our "Front Line of Defense"

Bethlehem Township Commissioners, at their May 2 meeting, have decided to send Bethlehem School Superintendent Joseph Roy a deficiency notice. Commissioner Jerry Batcha, a teacher in another district, stated that as stewards of the "quality of life in our community," Commissioners should authorize Township Manager Howard Kutzler to send letters, both to Bethlehem Area School District and the vocational school. Although no formal vote was taken, a consensus of the Board supported Batcha's proposal.

Dr. Roy has proposed eliminating four school resource officers at the middle and high schools to help balance next year's $202 million budget. One of these is a Bethlehem Township police officer, whose salary is paid both by the Township and School District.

At a April 26 budget hearing, Business Manager Stacy Gober told School Directors that it would cost $140,000 to restore two high school resource officers at Freedom and Liberty High School, adding 0.1% to a proposed 1.7% tax hike. A majority of School Directors support finding some way to continue funding these at least two of these four police officers.

School resource officers are police officers who provide a visible and positive image, help young people make more positive choices and protect the school environment so that teachers feel safe to teach and students feel safe enough to learn.

Batcha noted that the Township is willing to continue paying its share of the cost, and Township taxpayers also pay school taxes. Commissioner Michael Hudak supported Batcha's proposal, but stated he'd have some concern about paying 100% of the cost.

Not Commissioner Thomas Nolan. "We as a Board have to take the responsibility on our shoulders if need be," he stated. "The safety of our children is paramount." He likened Freedom High School to a City of over 2,000 young adults, with the inevitable problems that follow young adults. Stressing that children should be able to feel safe at school, Nolan condemned the proposed cut. "Removing that front line of defense for our children? Shame on them."

Bethlehem Township's school resource officer, Brian Kirchner, is assigned to Freedom High School, and was in the audience as Commissioners gave him their support. I snapped his picture, and hope he doesn't have to kill me.