New Philadelphia schools to get second resource officer

Jon Baker, The Times-Reporter
·2 min read
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New Philadelphia logo

NEW PHILADELPHIA — The city will be using money from Ohio's opioid settlement to help fund a second school resource officer for New Philadelphia City Schools.

Mayor Joel Day made the announcement at Monday's council meeting.

The leaders of New Philadelphia's safety forces, city Health Commissioner Vickie Ionno and Law Director Marvin Fete all agreed that it would be the best use of the money, the mayor said. City leaders met with schools Superintendent Amy Wentworth last Friday, where the idea was agreed upon.

The city will be receiving $6,600 in 18 monthly payments.

"Together, we will now seek additional funding for the position and begin the process of selecting and training a member of our current police force to assume school resource officer duties," Day said.

The mayor also reported that ground was broken Monday at Tuscora Park for four pickleball courts, which will be built on Al Maloney Way, just north of the tennis courts. The $220,000 project will take a month to six weeks to complete.

He added that the project is being funded by private donations and $30,000 from the city parks department budget.

In other action, council:

  • Voted to take no action on redistricting the city's four wards because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 census found that some wards grew faster in population than others. Ward 3 has 4,861 residents, while Ward 4 has 4,050 residents, according to the census. The vote was 5-2, with council members Cheryl Ramos and Mitch Pace voting no.

  • Heard Safety Director Greg Popham report on promotions in the New Philadelphia Police Department. On Monday, Melissa Snyder was sworn in as an officer, Mitch Gobley was promoted to sergeant and Don Woods was promoted to captain.

  • Heard Day report that the city administration and Firefighters Local 1501 have reached an impasse over financial issues in negotiations for a new three-year contract. Both sides will present their arguments to a factfinder on Aug. 16. The factfinder will then attempt to resolve the impasse.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: New Philadelphia schools will be getting a second resource officer.