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Tax dollars and philosophies are the issues in a debate between prosecutor David Kolbe and Kosciusko County Council.
The heart of the issue involves continuation of "Courtrooms To Classrooms," an educational program started this year by the prosecutor's office. The program is part of a national effort, but is the first in Indiana, according to Kolbe.
Despite strong response from schools, the program's future is in limbo because grant money used for the program won't be available to fund it next year.
Without grant money, Kolbe is asking council to fund the position with tax dollars.
The salary goes to Rob Reneker, assistant to the prosecutor who oversees the classroom project. About 10 percent of his time was devoted to the educational project during the first semester. The remainder of his time is spent working with victims of property crimes such as burglary.
While some council members suggested the program is worthwhile, they pointed out that the prosecutor's office has been the fastest growing since Kolbe assumed office three years ago. Whether educational efforts should fall within the parameters of the office was also a source of debate.
Kolbe was eager to promote and defend the program when he met with council members Thursday.
"It's a whole different philosophy. We ought to be proud to be on the cutting edge and say, 'Let's not wait until they become criminals. Let's teach them proper values before they ever get there.'"
The pilot program was conducted this fall at Madison Elementary School in Warsaw and involved fifth-grade students. The children are introduced to the justice system and all of the leaders including judges, prosecutors and other personnel.
The students also tour the Justice Building in Warsaw and interview the people in the justice system. They are then encouraged to role play what the people do for the justice department.
Madison's principal liked the program so much he spoke on its behalf at a school board meeting, and 10 other schools want to participate next fall. If that happens, Reneker said much more time would be needed and other responsibilities would be shifted to accommodate the change.
Tippecanoe Valley has also expressed an interest, Reneker said.
Council President James Tranter pointed out the office has grown significantly from about 10 employees to about 16. Three of the new positions involve victims assistance and have been paid through grants.
"We need these kinds of programs, but we only have so much money to spend,"
"Where does it stop?" Tranter asked.
Kolbe said his election was a mandate by the public who wanted changes in the office, including a larger staff.
"I think the office was undermanned all along," Kolbe said.
While increasing staff, Kolbe points out that the number of felony charges has increased significantly as well.
In defending the request for tax dollars, Kolbe also pointed out that his efforts led to establishment of a bad check policy that has generated nearly $60,000 for the county.
Tranter also asked if education should fall under the scope of the prosecutor.
"I think the prosector's job ought to be more than just punishing and attacking crime," Kolbe said. "It ought to be very pro-active in trying to prevent it before it happens."
Although Courts To Classrooms sounds similar to the anti-drug program DARE, Kolbe said they are distinctly different.
"We absolutely do not duplicate DARE. It's a totally different concept," he said. "Our program has to do with teaching kids about the aspects of courts."
Jeff Neumann, principal at Madison, could not be reached for comment.
