More than 2,300 students enrolled at Fulton Public Schools; district has SRO for first full school year
Olivia Hayes
FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)
Fulton Public School students were back in the classroom today to kick off the 2025 school year.
Safety is top of mind for the district, which has more than 2,300 students across its six schools. This will be the start of the district’s student resource officer’s first full year. Officer Mackenzie Elmore started in January, for the last half of the 2024-25 school year.
Fulton Police Chief Bill Ladwig told ABC 17 News the department wants to use their resource officer for problem prevention and problem resolution. He said Elmore will work for all six schools in the district and that she goes around to all of them each day.
Ladwig explained that per the police departments agreement with the school, Elmore cannot discipline the students, only school administrators. However, Elmore can assist and support the school administrators in their discussion.
Ladwig said during Elmore’s short time at the Fulton School District, she has transformed the role.
“It’s building those relationships with the kids, high-fiving them, being there, talking to them, whether it’s reading a book to a an elementary class, or helping explain a topic to a junior high or high school class,” Ladwig said.
FPS in a statement mirrored Ladwig’s words telling ABC 17 News, “We are committed to utilizing our SRO to continue to build positive relationships with our staff, students & families, helping to create a secure and supportive learning environment for our students.”