COLDWATER,MI (WTVB) – Coldwater Community Schools and the City of Coldwater have moved to secure the future of their School Resource Officer (SRO) program despite the expiration of critical state funding.
On April 27, 2026, the Board of Education unanimously approved an extension of the Memorandum of Agreement with the Coldwater Police Department, ensuring that Officers Noah Aljabaly and Antesar Azookari will remain stationed at Coldwater High School and Legg Middle School. Last night the Coldwater City Council also reaffirmed their commitment to the partnership, which began in 2020, has been praised by district officials for maintaining a visible safety presence and fostering positive interactions between law enforcement and students.
Deputy Police Chief Patrick Beaman says the partnership with the schools has been beneficial
Beaman says both the students and staff get to see the officers in a different light
The decision to renew the agreement comes at a pivotal financial moment, as the three-year Michigan state grant that previously subsidized the positions has concluded.
To maintain the program, the City of Coldwater has agreed to fund 25% of the program’s costs, while Coldwater Community Schools will cover the remaining 75% through its general fund.
Superintendent Paul Flynn noted that the district considers the program vital enough to absorb these costs directly. To further support the mission, the City Council recently integrated two new 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid “Resource-Mobiles” into the budget, providing dedicated vehicles for school-related duties and community events.
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