Lake Holcombe School Board; SRO program builds important community trust

Officer Jim Jarecki spoke to the Lake Holcombe School Board Sept. 18, about what his job entails and how much he enjoys being a School Resource Officer (SRO) for the district. Jarecki shared that families tell him they’re glad when he’s able to attend ballgames, as they feel safe with an SRO presence. Photo by Joy Dain

By Ginna Young

Although they’re down to just one School Resource Officer (SRO) at Lake Holcombe School, the SRO program is going strong, as reported at a board of education meeting Sept. 18. The program has been in place for several years, with SRO Jim Jarecki contracted for various hours throughout the school week, through the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office.

“I think it’s been a really good program,” said district administrator Kurt Lindau.

The first year of the program started out with most students wary of why there was a sheriff’s deputy in the school, but over time, Jarecki has come to earn their respect and is building trust within the community. The object of having an SRO, is for them to form relationships with the youth, so they feel comfortable enough to report wrongdoing or something of concern at home, not for an SRO to police the school or discipline the children.

“For me, the best part of my day, is coming to the school,” said Jarecki, “and just hanging out and talking, playing basketball, stuff like that.”

When discussing interior workings at the school, Lindau said the cafeteria tables have arrived and are much easier to fold up/move, along with the commons tables, while interior doors are on the way. However, the exterior is another matter, leaving the district to determine what to do.

“The exterior painter has stood us up,” said Lindau. During the meeting, members approved the appointment of Rebecca Abbiehl, as elementary Student Council adviser; Monique Westaby, elementary yearbook; and Kathleen Koehler, assistant forensics.

They also accepted $826.30, from Eastbay Lodge’s Dine & Donate Locally, to the band and football programs; $100, from Greg Guthman, to the after-school program; $25, from Aileen Tauchen, to the music department, in memory of Sue Szotkowski; $500 grants, from the Lions club, to Kent Dorney and Kathleen Koehler; and bottled water, from KJ’s Fresh Market.

As a notice to the public, the annual meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting.