RISD nixes school resource officer program

RUSK – A two-year SRO program placing a Rusk police officer on local school campuses as part of an interlocal agreement was terminated June 9, 2025, by unanimous vote of Rusk ISD trustees. 

Board president Martin Pepin and fellow member Nathan Acker abstained from voting, citing conflict of interest. The men are employees of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, an agency qualified to provide security for the district. 

The vote came after the board reconvened into open meeting following executive session discussions, said Rachel Thompson, administrative assistant to the superintendent’s office.

Rusk ISD’s school resource officer program was implemented in May 2023 at the recommendation of then-superintendent Grey Burton, recently hired as superintendent of Nacogdoches schools and whose departure leaves a vacancy in the office.

The original agreement between the entities spelled out a 10-month position for the SRO, who whose $48,502 salary would be assumed by the district, which also would fund cost of the SRO vehicle. Should the contract be terminated, the agreement stipulates that RPD would pay the school district fair market value of the unit.

Officer Leisa Gedde and her K9 partner Ubo served as the district SRO, overseeing all campuses, as well as being in charge of hiring security for RISD.

While the board voted to terminate the SRO contract, no mention was made at that time on the direction it would take to provide school security or the return of the police unit to RPD.

The 89th Texas Legislature (2025-26) adopted HB 3, requiring all public and charter schools to have at least one armed security officer on campus.

In other action during Monday’s meeting, trustees approved the Open Education Resources Transition Plan for Bluebonnet learning instructional materials for Grades 6-8 mathematics and Algebra I, as well approved the hire of new teachers and employees for the upcoming school year, Thompson said.

The district’s search for a new superintendent continues, she said, noting that the firm hired to find Burton’s replacement posted an online survey on the school website and social media page, asking RISD families and the greater community to share their thoughts on what qualities they are interested in seeing in a new district leader.

Results will go directly to the search firm, Thompson said.

A June 16 special meeting at the administrative offices – beginning 6 p.m. Monday – includes consideration of administrative recommendation of unspecified personnel and information about an interim Superintendent of Schools position.