While the Fredonia Central School District continues to eye an officer of its own, a resident says she feels it’s become an effort in futility in dealing with the issue.

During a recent board of education meeting, Maureen Blackburn stood to address the board regarding a school resource officer for the district. She noted when the SRO was eliminated years ago, she exchanged emails with the previous superintendent, Paul DiFonzo, who assured her that there’d be one the next fall.

She said that didn’t happen.

A former school board member within the state and a certified social worker, Blackburn said the same things that happened then are occurring now.

“I guess there isn’t an appropriate word other than to say ignored for lack of initiative to solve the issue,” she said. “Big problems aren’t going to go away. Society is becoming more and more in turmoil at every level, at every age and in every situation.”

Earlier in the year, Superintendent Jeffrey Sortisio laid out three SRO options for the board to consider: a school peace officer, a retired police officer or an officer from a local law enforcement agency. Following a lengthy discussion, board members expressed their desire to have an officer who’s an employee of the district and not from local law enforcement.

Last week, Sortisio told the board that the district is in the process of finalizing an application to the Chautauqua County Civil Service Division for a new position.

Sortisio said they’re working with the county to determine if such a position can be added to the civil service inventory.

“If it can, then we’ll move forward at the board’s wish to hire our own officer,” he said.

In addition, Sortisio said the district is also looking to add a social worker. He said the administrative team is currently reviewing applications for the position.

Blackburn said a school resource officer is needed. And after three years of batting the issue around, she says it’s time to do what needs to be done.

“I bring to you my hope that this group will find the level of importance that the position of the school resource officer deserves and the decisions that need to be made by you the leaders of this community who are charged with above all else the safety of the children and every other individual in this district,” she said.