oted unanimously on Monday, May 19, to authorize a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Woodland Police Officers’ Association, laying the groundwork for a dedicated school resource officer (SRO) to begin work in the 2025–2026 school year.
Under the agreement, the city will fully fund the position at an annual cost of $132,432, with the role already included in the approved 2025 budget. The decision enables the Woodland Police Department to begin recruiting for the position immediately.
“100 percent of this has been budgeted in our budget here, kind of unconventional,” said Mayor Todd Dinehart during the meeting. “Sometimes, most of the school districts pay 50/50, but some will pay full. We’re willing to pay the whole thing.”
The SRO will rotate through all schools in the Woodland School District rather than being assigned to just one, according to the mayor.
“The direction will be to go to each of the schools, spend time there and rotate through. I think one of the greatest things about a school resource officer is building trust with the children and the people in the schools ... saying, ‘Oh, hey, I know who I can trust and who I can go to,’” Dinehart said.
The officer will also attend after-school events and coordinate with school officials on safety and crisis response training, including active shooter preparedness.
Councilor Melissa Doughty expressed strong support for the initiative.
“I just think that it’s a long time coming and I’m really excited that it’s finally in front of us,” Doughty said. “That next year we can start the school year running and that these schools feel like there’s somebody that is familiar ... somebody that you can count on to be there.”
Council member Jason Friend echoed the sentiment.
“It’s a great opportunity to ... build that relationship with law enforcement and the kids in the school,” Friend said. “To feel like there’s a safe haven, so to speak, that they can go to when things are happening.”
Though Woodland School District Superintendent Asha Riley was not present at the meeting, several council members noted her involvement and endorsement of the plan.
The approved MOU outlines a modified work schedule for the SRO, departing from standard patrol shifts to align with the school calendar. The officer will work weekdays during the school year and transition to an administrative schedule during summer months, receiving compensatory time to cover school breaks.
With council approval secured and school district cooperation affirmed, the recruitment process for Woodland’s first school resource officer is set to begin.
