A social media post from the Newman Police Department announcing that the Newman‑Crows Landing Unified School District would not renew its School Resource Officer contract for the 2026–27 school year drew immediate and intense reaction from residents Thursday, prompting district leaders to clarify that they are attempting to renegotiate the agreement—not eliminate the position.
The police department said it had been notified the district “has decided not to renew the School Resource Officer (SRO) position for the upcoming 26–27 school year,” adding that it respected the district’s decision and appreciated the work of Cpl. Edgar Lopez, who has served as the district’s SRO. “Although the dedicated SRO position will not continue, the department remains committed to the safety of students and staff,” the agency wrote. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with NCLUSD in other ways and remain available to discuss future collaboration on student safety.”
The post quickly drew dozens of comments from parents and community members criticizing the district and expressing concern about campus safety. Some accused the district of cutting a vital safety role, while others questioned the timing of the decision.
NCLUSD Board President Don Cabral said the public reaction stemmed from a misunderstanding of the district’s intent.
“NCLUSD’s number one priority is to provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff,” Cabral said. “This was a procedural item for us to work with the City of Newman on a new contract mutually fair for both, to still keep our SRO, Officer Lopez. The old contract was not a mutually fair agreement.”
Cabral said the district is actively trying to meet with the city to negotiate a revised agreement. “Our superintendent is waiting on a response to meet from the City Manager,” he said.
Cabral said the district had financial and operational concerns about the existing agreement, including paying for a corporal‑level position even though the rank of a future SRO could change under new police leadership. He also said the district paid the full contracted amount during extended absences without receiving substitute coverage or billing adjustments.
“During the previous school year, the assigned SRO was unavailable for some time, but the district continued paying under the existing terms,” Cabral said. “These concerns do not diminish the value of the officer’s service or the district’s appreciation for its relationship with the Police Department.”
Cabral said the district hopes to work with the incoming police chief and city leadership to determine whether a revised agreement can meet both agencies’ needs. The district is seeking clearer terms on compensation, defined duties and availability, replacement coverage during absences, emergency procedures, communication expectations and periodic reviews of service levels and costs.
“The district’s objective is an agreement that provides dependable safety services while remaining fiscally responsible,” Cabral said.
He emphasized that campus safety will not lapse without a dedicated SRO contract in place. “The absence of a dedicated SRO contract does not eliminate the district’s existing safety systems or the responsibility of local law enforcement to respond to emergencies,” he said.
Cabral said the district will continue relying on administrators, campus supervisors, emergency‑response protocols, threat‑assessment practices, staff training and coordination with public‑safety agencies. Adjustments to supervision or partnerships may also be considered for the upcoming school year.
Cabral acknowledged the strong public response and said the district could have communicated more clearly. “In retrospect, the district could have communicated more clearly that its goal was to renegotiate the agreement rather than create the impression that it was closing the door on an SRO partnership,” he said. “We recognize the community’s concerns and take them seriously.”
The police department also signaled its willingness to continue working with the district. “We remain committed to the safety of students and staff,” the department said. “We look forward to continuing our partnership… and remain available to discuss future collaboration on student safety.”
