Akron Schools, City Finalize Contract to Retain School Resource Officers
Akron Public Schools has approved a two-year, $2.6 million contract with city officials to keep police officers stationed inside schools. The agreement comes just days before the start of the school year and assigns 14 school resource officers (SROs) to buildings across the district.
The contract follows months of negotiations sparked by language over when and how officers could be removed from schools, particularly after a use-of-force incident at Firestone Community Learning Center last year, where an SRO repeatedly punched a student in the head.
The new deal ensures raises for SROs through July 2027, with hourly pay climbing from $55 this year to $67 by the end of the contract.
The presence of police officers is intended to ensure students’ safety and serve the best interests of the child. However, ensuring school safety must not come at the expense of a child’s right to dignity, protection, and a safe learning environment, as was compromised in the case of a student being punched.
