WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A staffing shortage in the West Springfield Police Department has led to a cut at West Springfield Middle School at least through the fall of this year.

The middle school will be without its school resource officer (SRO).

“Based on anticipated staffing improvements—including a recruit class graduating later this summer and the expected return of some officers currently out of work—the Chief’s best-case estimate is that the middle school SRO position could be restored by November," the town’s chief of operations said.

However, that still leaves the middle school without an officer to look over their students and mitigate conflicts for at least three months of next school year.

The town says the police department will keep close coordination with school administrators and officers will remain available to respond to any issues at the school.

The department is also looking to make operational changes aimed at creating more staffing flexibility and overtime opportunities to address shortages and return the position as soon as possible.

Town officials emphasize that student and staff safety remain a top priority.

A school committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday if you would like to weigh in on the loss of the SRO.

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