Casper, WY – On Tuesday, the Casper City Council voted to amend its memorandum of understanding with Natrona County School District 1, granting the Casper Police Department new flexibility in scheduling school resource officers (SROs). The amendment lets the department choose between a traditional five‑day, eight‑hour workweek or a condensed four‑day, ten‑hour workweek, depending on staffing levels and operational demands.
Why the change matters for families and schools
Police Chief Shane Chaney explained that the revised schedule will still keep officers on duty for up to 40 hours each week throughout the district’s 175‑day calendar. By allowing the police department to match officer schedules with real‑time needs, the city aims to maintain uninterrupted safety coverage in Casper schools while also addressing the department’s broader staffing challenges.
Successful trial informs permanent policy
The new flexibility follows a trial scheduling model implemented during the 2025–26 school year. According to Chief Chaney, the pilot proved effective, enabling the city to meet staffing requirements without sacrificing the consistent presence of SROs in classrooms, hallways, and extracurricular events. Parents and school administrators praised the continuity of coverage, noting that the officers’ visibility helps deter violence and supports a safe learning environment.
Details of the amendment
The council’s action extends the scheduling provisions through June 30, 2027, while leaving the remaining terms of the original 2018 agreement unchanged. Under the amendment, the Casper Police Department will determine the appropriate work schedule after consulting with school district officials to ensure that no school experiences a gap in officer coverage.
Community response
Local parents and educators expressed relief that the city is taking proactive steps to keep schools safe without overburdening officers. “Having a predictable, yet adaptable, SRO schedule gives us confidence that our children are protected while allowing the police to manage their resources wisely,” said a Casper parent who asked to remain unnamed.
City Council members highlighted the amendment as an example of pragmatic governance that balances public safety with fiscal responsibility. “We are proud to support a solution that respects the needs of our police officers, our schools, and our families,” said Councilmember Maria Torres.
Looking ahead
The city will continue to monitor the impact of the flexible scheduling model and will report any adjustments to the council and school board before the agreement expires in 2027. Both the police department and the school district have committed to ongoing communication to ensure that the arrangement serves the best interests of Casper’s children and the broader community.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
