Ironton, Kernsville and Schnecksville elementary schools will share a school resource officer provided by the Upper Macungie Township Police Department.

The goal is to improve school safety by having a police presence focused on crime prevention, student education, safety, conflict resolution and addressing violence and drug abuse.

Due to North Whitehall’s lack of a municipal police force, the action was taken to reach out to Upper Macungie.

The SRO will remain an employee of Upper Macungie Township with Parkland funding the person’s salary and benefits, while Upper Macungie will cover worker’s compensation, liability insurance, law enforcement training and equipment.

The district and township will work together on scheduling and annual evaluations.

Upper Macungie will provide the vehicle for the officer to travel between schools.

At the July 15 meeting, the board granted approval of the Upper Macungie/Parkland partnership for the SRO for five years.

The certified SRO will work full time for Parkland during the school year. During the summer, the individual will be assigned within the Upper Macungie Police Department.

The position has been budgeted by the district in the safety and security department in the 2025-2026 general fund.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson explained although the state police were not able to provide an SRO, they were supportive of the process.

Dr. Anthony Naradko, Parkland’s director of safety, security and school services, noted the SRO will have jurisdiction only on district property.

The state police will continue to have jurisdiction and will report to assist in any emergency.