School Resource Officer Defining His New Role

In the single month he's been on the job, Warsaw Community High School's school resource officer has already made a difference.

Officer David Morales, an 11-year veteran of the Warsaw Police Department and a Marine reserve officer, told the Warsaw school board Monday that some students' perceptions of his job have already changed.

The students "first thought I was there to bust people," he said. "Now they know I'm there to listen to them."

WCHS principal Paul Crousore said he knew Morales was making an impact because last week, when Morales was out of town attending training sessions, students and staff asked where he was.

Morales said he is first a law enforcement officer, then a counselor and an educator.

"I feel that there are some things I can teach the students that maybe a teacher can't teach in a reality situation," he said.

He wears a uniform several days a week and is always armed. His office is at WCHS, but he is available to talk to classes, individual students, attend extracurricular activities and, above all, listen, he said.

"The students are a brand new added family to me," Morales said. "They're my added children, you might say."

Morales also said the grant that funds his position as SRO also may allow Warsaw Community Schools to eventually hire another SRO for the middle and elementary schools.

The board also approved a change in requirements for graduation. Students in the class of 2002 will be required to complete at least 42 credits, compared to the 38 now needed, as well as pass the ISTEP+ exam.

Beginning with this year's graduating class, students who earn all required credits and meet all other graduation requirements but do not pass the ISTEP+ exam will receive a certificate of achievement instead of a diploma.

Students who meet attendance and other requirements but do not meet the criteria necessary to earn a diploma or a certificate of achievement will receive a certificate of attendance.

Students receiving a diploma or either certificate will be able to participate in graduation ceremonies.

The graduation policy change was approved with a vote of 5 to 1, with board member Roy Szymanski opposed.

The board also approved Dr. Robert Boyd, from Indiana State University, and Dr. John Ellis, superintendent of Noblesville schools, as facilitators for the community-based planning process.

Superintendent Dr. Lee Harman said the process will consist of two 25-person committees comprising students, parents, teachers, administrators and business representatives.

The project will focus on the next five years in terms of finances, enrollment, programs and facilities, he said. It will begin in early November and end at the end of the school year. Members of the community who are interested in serving on the committee should contact Harman's office.

In other business, the board:

• Commended Harrison Elementary's Environmental Club members for working throughout the summer to take care of the grounds, greenhouse, outdoor lab and Hoosier Heritage School landscaping and gardens.

• Approved re-nominating Larry Chamberlain and Mark Morrison to the board of the Warsaw Community Public Library.

• Heard the annual report from the WCS food service by director Marci Franks. Expenses and income are projected to be approximately even this year, Franks said, at almost $1.6 million.

• Watched a performance by Leesburg Elementary first-graders of plays the students wrote to illustrate their mastery of five life skills: personal best, active listening, no put-downs, trustworthiness and truthfulness.

The board will meet next at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 in the administration building.