School Resource Officer

The City of Chilton, Manitowoc County Sheriff's Department and the Valders Area School District started negotiations to implement a School Resource Officer (SRO) within the Valders Area District in fall of 2024. Valders Area School District was the only district within Manitowoc County that did not have an SRO in place for the safety of their students and staff. An Operational  Referendum was placed on the November 5th ballot for voters to vote on the SRO position, amongst other needs for the district. Voters approved the Operational Referendum on the November 5th ballot. 

Fast forward all agencies involved worked diligently over the last several months planning and preparing for a new SRO position within the Valders Area School District with signing a mutually agreed upon contract in the Spring of 2025.  All agencies involved realize the importance of the SRO position to the Valders community and families within the school district. 

The Chilton Police Department is committed to provide a safe learning environment for students, faculty and community members. This SRO position will be responsible for all three schools located within the Village of Valders, that being the high school, middle school and elementary school. There are many key roles and responsibility that an SRO has in a school setting, such as:

Law Enforcement

• SROs respond to incidents requiring law enforcement intervention, maintain order, and enforce school rules and policies.

Counseling and Mediation

• SROs provide guidance and support to students, mediating conflicts and offering a safe space for students to discuss concerns.

Education

• SROs often teach classes on topics like personal safety, drug awareness and conflict resolution 

Liaison

• SROs act as a bridge between the school administration, students and the police department, facilitating communication and collaboration.

Community Policing

• SROs foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the school community, promoting trust and understanding.

The goal of the Chilton Police Department's School Resource (SRO) Program is work to enhance the safety and security of the students and staff in order to maintain an environment in which education and learning can take place. We will focus on relationship building through positive interactions, crime prevention, investigation and education. Our main goal is to have an officer present and interact with students while serving as a positive role model and resource for the students and staff. We will encourage children to make positive choices, reach their full potential and be diverted from the juvenile justice system. In addition to providing safety for the students and staff, the SRO will assist with safety plans for the school district and prepare staff in case of an emergency.