Moorhead Area Public Schools (MAPS) and the Moorhead Police Department (MPD) are pleased to announce the return of School Resource Officers (SROs) to district buildings beginning on September 2, the first day of the 2025–26 school year.
Two officers will be on-site at the start of the school year: one assigned to Moorhead High School and one at Horizon Middle School. Later this fall, a third officer will join the team, based at Horizon West and also providing support to MAPS elementary schools. The Moorhead Police Department will fully fund the program.
MAPS and MPD have had a strong, decades-long partnership providing SROs in schools. SROs play a vital role in fostering positive relationships with students and families, promoting safe learning environments, and collaborating with school staff. In recent years, the presence of SROs has been reduced due to changes in state law and staffing shortages within the police department. With MPD staffing stabilizing, the department is once again able to dedicate officers to schools.
Superintendent Dr. Brandon M. Lunak said, “We are grateful for the return of SROs to our schools. Their presence provides an additional layer of support for our students and staff, and their role extends beyond safety. They are mentors, problem-solvers, and trusted partners in our school communities.”
Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmick added, “The Moorhead Police Department values our longstanding partnership with Moorhead Area Public Schools. Our officers are eager to return to the buildings, working side by side with educators to build relationships, promote safety, and support students. We are committed to this collaboration and proud to fund this program.”
The return of SROs reflects a shared commitment between the school district and the police department to provide safe, supportive, and welcoming environments for all students.