The Mankato Free Press is reporting today that area schools may lose their last two remaining police liaison officers as a result of LGA and school funding cuts. The program, which provided four police officers to district schools 15 years ago, is now down to only two officers. After one of these officers retires this year, the program will be down to one officer; the city and school district do not have the funding necessary to replace his position. Questioning the effectiveness of one police officer serving an entire school district, the city and school district are considering eliminating the program entirely.
Cities across the state will be faced with similar difficult decisions under Governor Pawlenty’s proposed cuts to LGA. If you believe that all school children—no matter what corner of the state they live in—deserve a safe learning environment and police presence within schools, contact the governor today and ask him to reduce his cuts to LGA.