$110,000 super cop in Frontier School System

[FJB]

I can't believe my eyes and ears. I just read in the Sun that the Frontier School System and Town Police are hiring a cop to patrol the High School for $110,000 a year!! What in the hell are they doing here. That is way to much money. What ever happened to hiring cops at $40K-$45k a year? No wonder my taxes keep going up. The Town Supervisor told me this is a contractual money requirement for the job and new hire officers in Hamburg start at over $60k a year before benefit payments. Sign me up for the force, so I can make $110,000 to babysit high school kids. It's that or remove the Dems on the Town Board who give out these ridiculous contracts!!!

[WNYresident]

Is the guy related to anyone at the school district and are your numbers correct?

[FJB]

I don't know if any of the candidates for the job are related to any one making the decisions. My numbers are from the Hamburg Sun and the Town Supervisor Steve Walters himself. The article should be posted at the Hamburg Sun website today or tomorrow.

[FJB]

Frontier, town announce agreement on SRO
By DAVID J. HILL

Later this month, Frontier will hire a full-time school resource officer to act as a confidante for students – a name and a face of someone they can trust and approach to discuss problems.^

School district officials don't feel it will be a shocking change for students to see a police officer in the high school. And, they say, Frontier's hiring an SRO, as they are more commonly known, is not in response to the "Heroin High" publicity given the school by a local television news station in recent months.

"Having a police officer in the school is nothing new," Town of Hamburg Assistant Chief of Police Carmen Kesner said during a press conference announcing the agreement Wednesday (Aug. 2) afternoon at the Frontier Educational Center. Kesner said police officers have been in Frontier school buildings at various times for the past 35 years.

"This is crime prevention at its best, it's community relations at its best," Kesner said.

Currently, five town patrol officers have expressed an interest in the job, which is estimated to pay $110,000 per year. Sixty-five percent of that will be paid by the school district while the town will pay the remaining 35 percent.
The contract for Frontier's SRO will run from Aug. 21, 2006 through June 30, 2008. The agreement must be ratified by both the Hamburg Town Board and the Frontier School Board.

Supervisor Steve Walters said the Town Board is expected to approve it at their Aug. 7 meeting while the Frontier board plans to adopt it Aug. 15.

Officials say the SRO needs to have good people skills and can develop a rapport with students, who will see the officer as someone they can trust. The problems an SRO might deal with vary, and can include peer pressure, relationship issues and alcohol and drugs.

The SRO is required by state law to attend a training seminar that will be held in Rochester. The SRO's "home base" in the district will be at the high school, Guiffreda said. However, he added, the SRO "will be engaged in activities throughout the district."

Walters commended Guiffreda for his time and effort in reaching the agreement, despite the fact that Guiffreda recently announced he'll be leaving Frontier for a job at Erie 2 BOCES.

"He always made time to make sure this got done," Walters said.

"The presence of a school resource officer...will strengthen the bond between school and community through a three-pronged approach of teaching, law enforcement and counseling," Guiffreda said. "The SRO is a proactive approach to dealing with the many pressures that confront today's youth."

Only two other school districts in Erie County – Hamburg and Orchard Park – do not have SROs, said Frontier School Board Member Nancy Wood, who served on the SRO committee. Walters said Hamburg Central did not feel that they needed one.

Duties of the officer will include the following:

• Assist school personnel to maintain a positive, safe environment.

• Be accessible to students, serving as a resource for students who may be concerned about criminal activity.

• Be available to provide presentations on law-enforcement topics. The SRO can also bring in additional resources, such as K-9.

• Assist in resolving and preventing student conflict.

• Establish positive relationships between administrators, staff and students in all six schools in the district.

More on this story will appear in the Aug. 10 edition of The Sun.

PHOTO: Officials from the Town of Hamburg and Frontier School District review details of the agreement they reached to hire an SRO for the district.

[tronix75]

"This is crime prevention at its best, it's community relations at its best," Kesner said."

I say it's legalized robbery at it's best.

I wonder how they can justify an arbitrary number like $110,000 to an already overburdened taxpayer for a glorified hall monitor? Oh...that's right, they don't have too...it's robbery.

[BigGuy]

SHAME on Hamburg Cantral and the Hamburg Town Board for doing this.

Talk about bad precedent. "Hey, let's over pay someone with no degree or pysch training to work for over twice what the degreed Teachers and Administrators make! Then everything will be better in our schools!!!"

[WNYresident]

Someone must have the numbers wrong. No one in thier right might would start off at $110,000 with bene's as a glorified hall monitor.

[tronix75]

Someone must have the numbers wrong. No one in thier right might would start off at $110,000 with bene's as a glorified hall monitor.

Come on Rez...with all the idiotic things you've seen government do, this suprises you?

[WNYresident]

Yes it does. People who make these types of decisions have to realize they are watched more closely now. You think they would think a little more smarter don't you think?

I would like to know how they pulled that salary out of thier ass.

[tronix75]

Yes it does. People who make these types of decisions have to realize they are watched more closely now. You think they would think a little more smarter don't you think?

They may be watched more closely, but do you think they worry much about the taxpayers in that district raising hell about it? They way these government school districts operate, they're more like dictatorships than democracies.

I would like to know how they pulled that salary out of thier ass.

That's where their brains are.

[FJB]

I confirmed the salary with the Town Supervisor. Here's the kicker, the officer will be eligible for overtime on top. I don't think Steve Walters is to happy about it but with 4 out of 5 members being democrats on the Town Board he can't do much about it. It's go along for the ride or pull a Satish and leave the school without an officer.

[1964]

Sanborn sucks! The people who run this system are idiots.

[granpabob]

think of this only Op and hamb dont have one already that means all the other districts do I wonder how much they pay.
also do these officers get 110 thou just for the school duty or does this include normal police work too

[NoCtUrNaL]

Only two other school districts in Erie County – Hamburg and Orchard Park – do not have SROs, said Frontier School Board Member Nancy Wood, who served on the SRO committee. Walters said Hamburg Central did not feel that they needed one.

This is the first time I've heard of such a postion, so I Googled West Seneca's school district and found the following....

May 19, 2003

11. Chief Gehen re Application to US Dept. of Justice for School Resource Officer

Motion by Councilman Osmanski, seconded by Councilman Wroblewski, to authorize Supervisor Paul T. Clark of the Town of West Seneca to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, COPS in Schools Program, requesting $125,000 over three years that will enable the West Seneca Police Department to hire one sworn officer who will be assigned to the West Seneca Central School District as a School Resource Officer, noting that the Town of West Seneca agrees to match grant funds with $66,949 in cash over three years and to retain the officer one year after the award period.


On the question, Supervisor Clark thanked Chief Gehen for working with the school district and pursuing grant funding for a School Resource Officer. The pilot program that was in effect for quite some time was working very well and receipt of this grant would allow for more police presence in the schools.

Ayes: All Noes: None

Motion Carried
LINK (http://www.westseneca.net/bdmin03/mi030519.html)

Seems West Seneca was attempting to get this postion paid for, at least in part, with a Federal grant.

[NoCtUrNaL]

...more...Authorized the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Brotz, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of West Seneca, New York, for the purpose of the Town of West Seneca Police Department assigning 2 school resource officers to West Seneca Central School District at a cost not to exceed $75,000 annually for the period September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2008. LINK (http://www.westseneca.wnyric.org/West_Seneca_Web_Pages/board%20minutes/070704m.pdf)

[FJB]

75k is a lot less than 110k. That still is way to much. I have been asked to keep an open mind toward the Democrats in Hamburg, to try and work with them here. I am finding it hard to do when they force this crap down the town tax payers throats time and time again.

[granpabob]

75 thou for two positions is a lot differant then 110 for one man

[FJB]

That's the truth! Someone needs to stop this before it happens.

[TheRightView]

75k is a lot less than 110k. That still is way to much. I have been asked to keep an open mind toward the Democrats in Hamburg, to try and work with them here. I am finding it hard to do when they force this crap down the town tax payers throats time and time again.

HMMM....Pro-Republican statements there....no Pro IP statements...

[FJB]

The IP says !!! Stop raising our F-in Taxes for this B-S!

[Cgoodsp466]

I can't believe my eyes and ears. I just read in the Sun that the Frontier School System and Town Police are hiring a cop to patrol the High School for $110,000 a year!! What in the hell are they doing here. That is way to much money. What ever happened to hiring cops at $40K-$45k a year? No wonder my taxes keep going up. The Town Supervisor told me this is a contractual money requirement for the job and new hire officers in Hamburg start at over $60k a year before benefit payments. Sign me up for the force, so I can make $110,000 to babysit high school kids. It's that or remove the Dems on the Town Board who give out these ridiculous contracts!!!


I can supply bumper stickers for your town

Frontier School District
The New
Taliban

[FJB]

There has got to be a better sticker you can make up. Something that can actually be passed out at Town Board meetings. Please think about it.

[NoCtUrNaL]

There has got to be a better sticker you can make up. Something that can actually be passed out at Town Board meetings. Please think about it.

How about:

"Hamburg, NY...even our babysitters make six figures."

[Cgoodsp466]

There has got to be a better sticker you can make up. Something that can actually be passed out at Town Board meetings. Please think about it.


I gave em away at our school board meetings.The superintendent didnt appreciate it.I told her to go screw her self. You have to get in their face.Grow a pair will you.

[FJB]

How about a sticker that says "Grow a pair, and say no tax increases!!!" or " A fair days pay for a fair days work!!"

[FJB]

I've got the school system sending me the info to run for school board. I think it's time for a change.

[Cgoodsp466]

I've got the school system sending me the info to run for school board. I think it's time for a change.


God bless you and I wish you well,Out here in the Niagara Wheatfield fascist run school district its easy to get on the ballot. We only need 50 signatures.However the hard part is overcoming the employee voteing block and the 18 year olds the district sends to the polls.You have to remember the Teachers union doesent want any one to rock the boat. The key to beating the corrupt bastards is to get a majority of people like us to make changes. I hope you win.School districts are the Evil empires and need to be crushed.

[FJB]

I have asked Legislators Bob Reynolds and Dan Kozub to take a position on the Frontier School Police Officer salary. Bob Reynolds has just replied this:

Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 8:21 AM
From: Bob Reynolds <reynolds.12@adelphia.net>

To: FORD BECKWITH

Subject: RE: Frontier School Police

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Mr. Beckwith,

As you know, I am a member of the Hamburg Central School Board and our
public position is we are not in favor of the Resource Office. I stand by
the Boards position. As for Frontier Central, your best option is to attend
a Frontier School Board Meeting stating your concerns, both publicly and in
writing.
Best of Luck,
Bob

-----Original Message-----
From: Reynolds, Robert [reynolds@erie.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 4:21 PM
To: reynolds.12@adelphia.net
Subject: FW: Frontier School Police


-------------------------------------------
From: Ford Beckwith
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 4:21:03 PM
To: Reynolds, Robert
Subject: Frontier School Police
Auto forwarded by a Rule

Bob please take a position on the outrageous salary that the Town of Hamburg
and Frontier School System is paying their new officer.

[FJB]

I am very impressed that Mr. Reynolds replied to my request and more impressed he stands against the Democrats position for a School Resource Officer. Thanks Mr. Reynolds!!

[bwilson]

well enough is enough. I'v been reading this post and have sat idly by listening to fjb post falsehood after falsehood...now he's trying to put words into our county legislators mouth.

Here's the fact....there was no mention of a school resource officer until Supervisor Walters brought it up...this is not a democrat's idea. It is the idea of a politician who owes the hamburg police force a whole lot of favors. ANOTHER police hire is no surprise. As a matter of fact the Town board was previously taking action on the local drug problem..action that involved volunteers and community involvment...action that would have cost the Hamburg taxpayers nothing...Supervisor walters made his position clear on those tactics....So FJB your allegations are false...your comments regarding Legislator reynolds will surely ruin any chance of having a productive relationship with him, but that looks like your intention in most of your posts...to ruin productive relationships and good government.

[FJB]

well enough is enough. I'v been reading this post and have sat idly by listening to fjb post falsehood after falsehood...now he's trying to put words into our county legislators mouth.

Here's the fact....there was no mention of a school resource officer until Supervisor Walters brought it up...this is not a democrat's idea. It is the idea of a politician who owes the hamburg police force a whole lot of favors. ANOTHER police hire is no surprise. As a matter of fact the Town board was previously taking action on the local drug problem..action that involved volunteers and community involvement...action that would have cost the Hamburg taxpayers nothing...Supervisor Walters made his position clear on those tactics....So FJB your allegations are false...your comments regarding Legislator Reynolds will surely ruin any chance of having a productive relationship with him, but that looks like your intention in most of your posts...to ruin productive relationships and good government.


Once again the Democrats in Hamburg are being less than truthful. Steve Walters only promised an officer in the school to stop the drugs. The salary of that officer was set by contract by the remaining democrats on the town board and Pat Hoak way before Steve took office. Pat Hoak and the democrats also approved a union for the captains and above of the Hamburg Town Police. This is a union not recognised by the state and it's my understanding that it's the only one like it in Erie County. Furthermore read the e-mail received from Bob Reynolds that is posted earlier you idiot!

[bwilson]

he says nothing about being against the democrats

[bwilson]

you have no facts. LIES,LIES,LIES, I'm just concerned fo ryour welfare as a fellow human being what motive you would have for making up such foolishness. perhaps some professional mental health therapy is in order. Good Luck son

[FJB]

you have no facts. LIES,LIES,LIES, I'm just concerned fo ryour welfare as a fellow human being what motive you would have for making up such foolishness. perhaps some professional mental health therapy is in order. Good Luck son
I think you need to contact your town board and get the answers you lack. You obviously are confused about what is happening in Hamburg.

[HamburgJoe]

Sorry to resurrect this thread but I am new and was browsing and thought I could shed the truth on this subject.
As I have found out, the position of SRO was created to address ongoing drug/crime issues within the Frontier School District. The reported "salary" that was set at $110,000 by the Sun is incorrect as far as a salary goes. The officer who is assigned to the school will only make approx. $60,000. The remaining $50,000 supposedly is the "other compensation (health, retirement budgeted max. vacation and overtime sellbacks and other misc dept costs). The School is paying the Town $65,000 for the compensation of this officer. The Town is then on the hook for up to the remaining $45,000. Now the TOwn will not be out out of pocket the full $45,000 as this is a max budget figure ( you cannot under budget a position). The Town will more than likely be out of pocket somewhere around $30,000. This officer has been taken off the road and was budgeted to be replace by Supervisor Walters but was cut by the Town Board.
I hope this clears up this issue.

[JustMakeSensePlease]

:cool: Sorry to resurrect this thread but I am new and was browsing and thought I could shed the truth on this subject.
As I have found out, the position of SRO was created to address ongoing drug/crime issues within the Frontier School District. The reported "salary" that was set at $110,000 by the Sun is incorrect as far as a salary goes. The officer who is assigned to the school will only make approx. $60,000. The remaining $50,000 supposedly is the "other compensation (health, retirement budgeted max. vacation and overtime sellbacks and other misc dept costs). The School is paying the Town $65,000 for the compensation of this officer. The Town is then on the hook for up to the remaining $45,000. Now the TOwn will not be out out of pocket the full $45,000 as this is a max budget figure ( you cannot under budget a position). The Town will more than likely be out of pocket somewhere around $30,000. This officer has been taken off the road and was budgeted to be replace by Supervisor Walters but was cut by the Town Board.
I hope this clears up this issue.
Just wish people would deal with their own children and their problems..I don't understand why the schools or the towns should have to pick up the slack for the parents. Now were getting into parenting business? Wonderful, Parents need to understand that it is their job. Here is a thought..NEVER have more children then you can teach,support,feed,house,educate,parent or bailout YOURSELF!!!!

[HamburgJoe]

Until then, the police are the ones stuck sorting it out.

[JustMakeSensePlease]

Until then, the police are the ones stuck sorting it out.

Another black eye for the Frontier School district..I think the police are going to have their hands full between the drug problem, and now the problem with the English teacher..What a world our kids have to grow up in.

[Harry Applesack]

I believe they were misquoted regarding the salary for this position. I believe that the $110,000 figure has something to do with the replacement cost for the officer going into the school. When he went into the school, the Hamburg PD had to replace his position for patrol purposes. A new hire with benefits and academy training and field training might cost the town $110k. If you check with the town hall, the school officer is still covered under the Hamburg PD/Town of Hamburg contract, so it's not likely that he would be earning more than the contract would allow. And, it doesn't seem likely that this position would pay an additional 50k more than the 60k salary which someone posted earlier.

Also, anyone who feels that the school officer is a "babysitter" should seriously reconsider. A police officer stationed inside a high school is becoming the national trend... and for good reason. When you have a school with a few thousand young adults interacting on a daily basis, there is plenty of opportunity for serious problems to arise(refer to Columbine or Jonesboro, Arkansas). And, If you think that there aren't serious occurrences happening in your schools, then you are a fool!!! Just because you weren't made aware, doesn't mean it doesn't occurr. An officer stationed inside the school can provide a pretty quick response time to any situation. Also, teachers are paid to teach, not break up fights, confiscate drugs, etc. They shouldn't have to deal with that.

A different perspective might be this: Hamburg is paying for in-school police protection just about what it would cost for a new school bus.

[HamburgJoe]

As I have found out, the position of SRO was created to address ongoing drug/crime issues within the Frontier School District. The reported "salary" that was set at $110,000 by the Sun is incorrect as far as a salary goes. The officer who is assigned to the school will only make approx. $60,000. The remaining $50,000 supposedly is the "other compensation (health, retirement budgeted max. vacation and overtime sellbacks and other misc dept costs). The School is paying the Town $65,000 for the compensation of this officer. The Town is then on the hook for up to the remaining $45,000. Now the TOwn will not be out out of pocket the full $45,000 as this is a max budget figure ( you cannot under budget a position). The Town will more than likely be out of pocket somewhere around $30,000. This officer has been taken off the road and was budgeted to be replace by Supervisor Walters but was cut by the Town Board.
I hope this clears up this issue.

This officer was never replaced on the road. In fact the Town Board cut two patrol officer positions from the 2007 budget.

[FJB]

This officer was never replaced on the road. In fact the Town Board cut two patrol officer positions from the 2007 budget.
And then let all the Command Officers take as much over time to fill the spots. Only, I hear they sit on their ass and make the patrol officers work harder.

[Hockey1901]

Again I ask you Ford, what do you do for a living?

You seem to talk a lot about people sitting on their asses.

You are a real Jack Ass my friend.

[HamburgJoe]

Next time you have the opportunity to talk to a Hamburg police officer ask him/her how it works. When I heard some of the stories, I had a tough time believing them.

[FJB]

Again I ask you Ford, what do you do for a living?

You seem to talk a lot about people sitting on their asses.

You are a real Jack Ass my friend.
I'll take take that as a compliment from you.

[Ben There]

Fellow blogers I only respond when I see FJB WE nicknamed him the tin man from the wizard of oz we know what he was missing it was'nt courage or a heart guess. He is on disabilty running around doing the bidding of GIESE, KELLY and others If he spent his time at home they might not need police at the school, his family should come first not his extended family ,GIESE KELLY,and the INDPENDENCE Party. when he realizes this it may be too late ford stay home take care of your family some day when the kids have gone have a ball don't let them suffer for your folishness.