Oregon-Davis School Resource Officer John Kohles will remain in the position for at least another year. Last week, the school board took action to employ him full-time and also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Hamlet. The town council followed suit Wednesday by approving the agreement, as well.
O-D Superintendent Don Harman says the school corporation agrees to pay Kohles’ salary, while the Town of Hamlet will provide a police vehicle for him to use. However, there is no provision for a substitute, if Kohles is unable to work for some reason.
Council member Brian Earnest felt the arrangement will be good for both entities. “I think it’s nice having a police officer do it, too,” he said. “As a parent, it’s nice to see the kids see the police police officers in a different light than just arresting mom or dad.”
Additionally, council members felt the language was much clearer than that in the town’s previous memorandum of understanding with the school. Harman said he plans to revisit the document each year with the council and school board.
The Hamlet Town Council unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding and authorized Town Marshal Clint Norem to sign it on behalf of the Hamlet Police Department.
