Deputy in the Halls: New SRO to Foster Safety and Support in Ringgold Schools
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At their meeting on October 15, the Diagonal school board officially joined the program to provide a Student Resource Officer (SRO) in both the Diagonal and Mount Ayr districts.
The SRO is a full-time deputy with the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department who will split his time and duties between the two school districts as well as regular law enforcement shifts for the county. The sheriff’s department will be responsible for the recruitment, hiring, training, assigning and supervising of the SRO.
“An SRO is a specially trained, sworn law enforcement officer who works in the school setting in addition to their role as a sworn officer,” Mount Ayr superintendent Jason Shaffer said. “Their role goes far beyond safety and security — they serve as mentors, educators, and trusted adults within the school community.”
Shaffer cites the benefits of having an SRO in the county’s schools:
• Enhanced Safety: The presence of an SRO adds a visible layer of protection and ensures quick response in case of emergencies.
• Positive Relationships: Daily interactions with students help build trust, respect, and understanding between young people and law enforcement.
• Educational Support at All Levels: The SRO will also provide age-appropriate lessons and support across grade levels.
In younger grades, this may include topics such as identifying safe adults, understanding emergency procedures, practicing kindness, learning about safe routes to school, and learning about community helpers.
In upper grades, topics may include digital safety, bullying and peer conflict, substance awareness, responsible decision-making, and preparation for life beyond school.
These lessons help reinforce the school’s values while giving students the tools to make safe and respectful choices.
• Crisis Preparedness: The SRO will also support emergency drills and planning, helping students and staff feel more confident and ready in any situation.
The contract between the county and the schools stresses the SRO “shall not act as a school disciplinarian and shall not take administrative action or levy sanctions on behalf of any School District employee.”
However, school administration may alert the SRO if they feel an incident at the school is a violation of a law. In that case, the SRO will review the incident to determine if law enforcement action is appropriate.
The SRO can investigate criminal cases involving students through the enforcement of local, state and federal laws to maintain a safe and effective learning environment. The SRO may also alert school officials to traumatic events that may affect a student’s behavior or participation in school activities.
The cost to employ an SRO for Fiscal Year 2025 is estimated at $100,544. Both Mount Ayr and Diagonal will receive state funding of roughly $16,000 to share the SRO services with the county. The Mount Ayr district will pay an additional $15,976 for 20 hours in its schools. Diagonal will pay $16,000 for 10 hours of SRO duty. Both amounts will be prorated for the remainder of the current school year.
Early this week, Sheriff Rob Haley announced the hiring of Shannon Arends as the new SRO for the schools and as a deputy for Ringgold County.
Arends is no stranger to Ringgold County as he began his law enforcement career with the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office in 2005. He graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy’s 204th Basic Training in 2005.
Early on, Arends developed a strong interest in narcotics investigations and completed advanced training in interdiction, roadside interviews, and drug investigations.
In 2008, Arends became a K-9 Officer, earning several honors, including the 2009 Narcotic Case of the Year Award, Master Tracker and his K-9’s induction into the Animal Hall of Fame in 2011.
In 2013, Arends joined the Creston Police Department as a Senior Patrolman specializing in narcotics
cases, later promoting to Sergeant (2020) and Lieutenant (2023). While there, he led numerous successful investigations and maintained certifications as a Standardized Field Sobriety Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and K-9 Handler. I also founded and commanded several programs, including the Creston MJET Tactical Team, Reserve Officer Program, and Drone Program.
Arends brings experience that fits with the description of an SRO.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been active in school and community outreach, educating youth on the dangers of drugs and promoting safety awareness,” Arends said. “I’m excited to return home to Ringgold County and serve as a School Resource Officer. It’s an honor to help keep our schools safe and to support and mentor the students in our community.”
