Rick Young, chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, signs a 28E agreement Tuesday establishing a school resource officer for the South Hamilton Community School District. Pictured with him are, from left, Supervisor April Ely; Supervisor Mary Clausen; Heather Holm, superintendent of the South Hamilton Community School District; and Hamilton County Sheriff Alex Pruismann.

The Hamilton County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday signed off a deal that provides the South Hamilton Community School District with a school resource officer through the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Jordan Stangeland will serve in the position beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, beginning next month.

Stangeland is expected to work closely with students, staff and administrators across the school district to provide a “visible, supportive law enforcement presence,” according to Hamilton County Sheriff Alex Pruismann.

“His responsibilities will include safety planning, classroom education, student engagement, and emergency response coordination”

Heather Holm, superintendent of the South Hamilton Community School District, was present Tuesday when the required 28E agreement was approved by the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to the well-being of students and staff,” she said. “Deputy Stangeland will be a tremendous asset to our school community — not only in maintaining safety, but in building strong relationships with students and families.”

According to Pruismann, the 28E agreement, authorized under Iowa law, outlines a four-year collaboration between the school district and county, with oversight provided by the South Hamilton superintendent and the Hamilton County sheriff.

The SRO will be employed by the county and assigned full-time to South Hamilton during the academic year, Pruismann said.

“We are proud to partner with the district in this important initiative. Deputy Stangeland brings the experience and character we were looking for to launch this program in a positive, proactive way.”

Rick Young, Supervisors chairman, said, “We view this agreement as an investment in the future of our youth and our communities. Deputy Stangeland will not only help keep students

in his hometown safe but will also serve as a mentor and a role model. This is about building trust and connection.”

The agreement also includes provisions for training, emergency preparedness, and the shared goal of fostering good citizenship among students, Pruismann said.