Maize school district considers cutting police force

Maize school administrators are recommending dissolving the district’s police force to save money.

If the Maize Board of Education approves the recommendation, the Maize Police Department would take over providing safety and security services for the district.

“Safety will continue to be a top priority for Maize Schools, especially regarding its students,” Lori Buselt, the district’s director of communications, said in a statement Tuesday. “If approved, the city of Maize’s police department would offer the same quality services to the students, employees and schools of Maize USD 266.”

Dissolving the USD 266 police force is estimated to save the district about $80,000. District administrators have been trying to find ways to cut $351,000 from the Maize school district’s budget, according to the release. The state recently reduced school funding for the current year.

“District administrators have continued to examine cost-saving options throughout the district and have, in some cases, opted to leave staff vacancies open upon employees’ retirements or resignations,” Buselt said.

The district police force employs four people, according to the USD 266 website.

This story was originally published April 21, 2015 at 6:54 PM with the headline "Maize school district considers cutting police force."