Brandon Twp.- Drug abuse, bullying and problems at home’all are too common issues for students today. Since 2003, Oakland County Sheriff Detective Arnie Terrell has served as a school liaison officer to help these students cope with the gauntlet of situations that challenge local youths? daily lives.
Now the school liaison officer’s position is among the cuts school board members are considering for the 2008-2009 school year.
A budget workshop is set for 5 p.m., May 12, at the Brandon Middle School Media Center, 609 Ortonville Road to discuss next year’s budget, which includes a deficit of $2,280,000 as board members contend with a sagging enrollment of about 100 students.
‘I’ll recommend on Monday that we dip into the fund equity account for about $1,285,000,? said Gary Kelley, interim assistant superintendent of finance.
‘We’ve built the balance up over the past six years’it’s great we have enough in there to cover the shortfalls. The board has to decided to make the hard cuts or dip further into the funds.?
The liaison position currently filled by Terrell incorporates law enforcement along with interaction in the school community. Criminal investigation is just a small part of Terrell’s duties, which also includes a variety of programs for students, from bullying and drug awareness to the dangers of strangers.
‘In some districts, the liaison position is just a security guard, but that’s not the case in Brandon,? said Terrell, who started with the district in 2003. ‘I’ve had students come into my office and want to talk about their drug abuse and what they can do to overcome the problem. I’ve been working with many of these kids since they were in eighth grade. That was five years ago, and now I get to see them move on through school.?
‘Cutting the position would be a major setback to the students and the district. I often work at the request of teachers, in just about all the buildings in the district. Currently there’s enough demand out there for two officers in the schools.?
Ron Lapp, Brandon Township supervisor, said the school liaison position costs the community $114,027. The township picks up $74,000 of Terrell’s salary.
‘We have a deputy in the school district and the liaison position is intrinsic to a successful and safe district,? said Lapp.’How do you quantify the amount of crime stopped before it happens because a deputy is in the school? The liaison deputies are hand-picked because they have the abilty to get along with the youth. Not every community has such an individual. Terrell does an outstanding job, he has the right touch for our district. I’m asking the board to reconsider.?