Three new school officers are joining the Hempfield Area School District this year.
In all, 14 officers will serve at Hempfield schools, said Bob Reger, director of human resources. Members of the Hempfield Area School Board unanimously voted to hire the three new part-time officers during Monday’s meeting.
According to Superintendent Tammy Wolicki, the decision to hire more officers came after an officer went on leave and other officers resigned.
The district also needed part-time officers to help cover evening and weekend events throughout the school year.
“School safety continues to be a priority,” Wolicki said. “Our school police work to develop a comfort level with students so that students readily report information and concerns.”
She noted that the chief of school police, Officer Len Lander, often does training with teachers and staff and participates on the district safety committee.
At Hempfield, school police officers earn $25.50 per hour. An officer hired as a school security officer until cleared to be armed earns $20.40 per hour. Officers working evening and weekend events earn an extra $5 per hour.
