School Resource Officer (SRO) Funding – Notice of Intent to Participate

Included in House Bill 500 and Senate Bill 197, appropriations of $11,500,000 in General Funds and $11,500,000 in Restricted Funds in both fiscal year 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 have been set aside to assist local school districts and nonpublic schools in funding salaries for certified full time school resource officers (SRO). The appropriation bills state: “The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) shall reimburse local school districts and nonpublic schools up to $20,000 in funding salaries for each full-time certified school resource officer.”

KRS 158.441 defines School Resource Officer:

"School resource officer" or "SRO" means an officer whose primary job function is to work with youth at a school site as described in KRS 158.4414, who has specialized training to work with youth at a school site pursuant to KRS 158.4414, and who is:

(a) 1. A sworn law enforcement officer certified under KRS 15.380 to 15.404;

2. A special law enforcement officer appointed pursuant to KRS 61.902 and certified under KRS 15.380 to 15.404; or

3. A police officer appointed pursuant to KRS 158.471; and

(b) Employed:

1. Through a contract between a local law enforcement agency and a school district;

2. Through a contract as secondary employment for an officer, as defined in KRS 16.010,

between the Department of Kentucky State Police and a school district; or

3. Directly by a local board of education[.]

COMPLETION OF THIS NOTICE OF INTENT TO PARTICIPATE FORM IS A PREREQUISITE TO RECEIVING ANY AWARD. However, completion of this Notice of Intent to Participate form does not guarantee receipt of an award. The information contained within this Notice of Intent to Participate form will be used by the KDE for the following:

(1) Determine the total number of full-time certified SROs that potentially qualify school districts and non-public schools for an award;

(2) Determine whether the total appropriation is sufficient to make awards of $20,000 per full-time certified school resource officer, or whether awards will be made on a pro rata basis; and

(3) Establish a contact directory to communicate with school districts and non-public schools the next steps in applying for an award.

Please note: The language in the legislation has changed from previous years. Districts can fund salaries for full-time certified school resource officers regardless of assigned location within the district. There is no longer a requirement that an SRO be assigned on a full-time basis to a single campus.