The Moore County Board of Education voted Dec. 8 to revise its separation allowance policy for school resource officers in an effort to strengthen recruitment and retention.
The change reduces the required years of full-time service with Moore County Schools from 10 to 8 for officers hired after April 7, 2014. Eligible officers will receive the full benefit after eight years if they meet the policy’s retirement criteria.
Superintendent Tim Locklair presented the update to the board.
“It says basically that the separation allowance, upon his or her retirement from Moore County Schools, would apply if the officer meets the criteria in this policy and has a minimum of eight years of full-time service as a Moore County Schools officer,” Locklair explained. “It also notes that this policy shall take effect today if the board approves it, and officers who are receiving the separation allowance after that date shall continue to receive the benefit under the terms in effect at the time of their retirement from Moore County Schools.”
Locklair said the change addresses concerns raised by officers during recruiting.
“Many times, our office has recruited officers who have some experience, and their knowledge that they could get this after a reasonable amount of time was part of that feedback. This is an opportunity both for recruitment and retention in our Moore County Schools police,” he said. “As a recruitment tool and retention tool, the officers, that is what was discussed, that was recommended not only by our own officers, but some feedback we got from the sheriff.”
According to the policy, the annual separation allowance is calculated at 0.85 percent of the officer’s most recent base annual compensation. Payments end when the officer turns 62, becomes employed by a local government agency that requires participation in the Local Government Employees’ Retirement System or upon the officer’s death.
He estimated the annual cost at about $100,000, with a long-term impact of roughly $650,000 based on the current staff.
Board member David Hensley, however, challenged this plan. He said he felt the policy could encourage officers to leave for other agencies once they qualify.
“I think this encourages officers to leave us because they could leave after 10 years and get 100 percent of their retainer pay and go work for another department,” Hensley said. “This incentive, giving somebody more retirement earlier, is like in the military. You are working for half pay after 20 years. Why stay there?”
Locklair disagreed, saying the structure is intended to attract experienced officers from other departments.
“It should be noted that someone who served 25 or 30 years in another law enforcement agency, retired from that agency, and is receiving this cannot ‘double dip’ that special separation allowance,” added Locklair. “They can only receive that once upon retirement.”
Board member Dr. Amy Dahl added that state requirements still apply.
“They have to be 55 to collect,” she said. “They have to have completed 30 or more years of creditable service or have attained 55 years.”
Hensley was unconvinced. “We’ve given 210% back-to-back pay raises in addition to whatever the state did, and, you know, throwing money at the problem and expecting a different result. This is an unlimited liability,” he said.
The board moved forward and approved the revision 6–1 following a motion by board chair Dr. Robin Calcutt. Hensley cast the lone vote against the change.
The updated policy takes effect immediately. Officers who are already receiving the benefit will continue under the terms in place at the time of their retirement.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Article written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021. Photo courtesy Canva Stock Images.
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