MOORHEAD, Minn. (Valley News Live) – The Moorhead High School Career Academy has a new school resource officer as the district continues addressing safety concerns following multiple incidents this school year.
Officer Jutting joined the Career Academy in December as the Moorhead Police Department’s staffing numbers improved, according to Sgt. Scott Kostohryz.
“Staffing numbers have risen back to the levels that have made it more sustainable to put the SROs back in their original positions,” Kostohryz said.
“Two SROs came back in August and were positioned at the Middle and the High School. In December, we got a couple officers off the training program and that allowed us to place Resource Officer Jutting back at the Career Academy.”
Multiple incidents throughout school year
The Moorhead district has experienced several safety incidents this school year. In September, a firearm was discovered as a student left the Alternative Learning Center. A few weeks later, a loaded handgun was found near the Career Academy following a disturbance earlier that day. Almost two weeks ago, a middle schooler was arrested for having 1,500 fentanyl pills.
The district has not linked the incidents to adding the new SRO, but police say the timing is right for the Career Academy placement.
Improved behavior at middle school allows reallocation
Better behavior at Horizon Middle School helped make the Career Academy placement possible. The department previously had an officer teaching D.A.R.E. at the middle school.
“Because behaviors are down, and incidents are way down at the middle school, we didn’t have a need to have two SROs there,” Kostohryz said.
“So, we decided it would be more beneficial to have an SRO positioned at the Career Academy where we have teen drivers, kind of the older student population.”
Safety audit results coming in January
The SRO addition comes as the district completes its Safety and Security Audit. The results will be released in January and include input from families and staff.
Surveys completed in the late 2019s showed over 95% of students at Horizon and the high school wanted SROs and felt safe with them, according to Kostohryz.
He said conversations with staff and students in the last six months indicate they feel safe and are happy to have SROs.
“Mostly because it’s that bridge between the community and the police department,” Kostohryz said.
Officer Jutting’s role will also allow her to visit elementary schools in the district.
Officer Jutting was not available for an interview.
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