The Mars Area School District would like to renegotiate the contract that they have with the Adams Township Police Department to provide school security.
At their Tuesday night meeting, the board defeated a motion to extend the current contract for one year at no increase by a vote of 5-4.
The district created a hybrid school police force last year featuring three full-time officers who are retired state troopers along with two Adams Township officers employed by the Township but permanently assigned to the district during the school year.
In a time of budget uncertainty, several board members expressed concern that the current contract did not have any provision in place for extended periods without kids physically at school as happened during the current school year with the coronavirus situation.
All board members agreed that student safety is a top priority so discussions about a modified agreement are expected to continue.
