Town Council: Parsippany Will Have School Officers Next Year

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Parsippany Town Council lent their voices to the dispute between the township administration and board of education. The governing body signed a letter with Mayor Michael Soriano assuring the public that Parsippany schools will have officers next year.

Parsippany Superintendent Dr. Barbara Sargent said last week that the Township of Parsippany is going to end a partnership after June that keeps school resource officers in Parsippany. But Soriano — and now Town Council — say that's untrue, as the feud stems from where the funding will come from.

"It’s a critical discussion taking place between the Township, its Council, and the Board of Education," Soriano and Town Council wrote. "Whether funding comes from Board of Education budget, or the Township budget, the SRO Program is a shared service funded collectively by the Parsippany taxpayer."

All five Town Council members signed onto the letter, released Thursday.

"As all parties involved look forward to an amenable agreement," the letter says, "it is important to remember that these negotiations are a process, guided by sound fiscal practices, and a commitment to protecting our schools. We are all confident that a fair solution to this matter will be reached in the weeks to come."

Soriano and Board President Frank Neglia have traded barbs about the school-officer situation via campaign statements. Soriano — a Democrat — is running for re-election, while Neglia — a Republican — is a council candidate. Read more: Parsippany Mayor, School District Trade Barbs Over Security Costs

Neglia said via his campaign that the township administration declined the traditional three-year deal and proposed one-year deal.

"Because this mayor cannot manage a budget," Neglia said in a statement, "and as noted by our Board Attorney, he is asking the Board to renegotiate the terms of even a one year agreement with only weeks left in the school year."

Each have accused each other of putting politics over the students.

"I am calling on Board President Frank Neglia to stop using our students as political footballs, and start treating our schools and children's safety with the seriousness it deserves," Soriano said via his campaign.

Read the full letter from Soriano and Town Council below:

"There has been understandable concern in the community about the School Resource Officer program and its essential value to our students, teachers, and the Township.

It has been stated before, but it absolutely bears repeating under no uncertain terms: the SRO program must continue and will continue.

The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is in full support of the SRO program. It is the shared belief of both the Township Council and Mayor Soriano that SRO and Class III officers are as important to our community as our entire police force. There has never been any wavering in support of this program.

As has been stated before, negotiations are ongoing. The discussion has never been about whether or not to fund the program – it will be funded. The discussion centers around where the funding comes from. It’s a critical discussion taking place between the Township, its Council, and the Board of Education. Whether funding comes from Board of Education budget, or the Township budget, the SRO Program is a shared service funded collectively by the Parsippany taxpayer.

The Mayor, Town Council, and the Board of Education all understand that this program is important when it comes to the safety of our schools, our students, and our teachers.

One thing must be emphasized throughout these negotiations: every single person involved in this discussion wants the same thing – to have a strong and supported SRO program. We all embrace the importance and immeasurable value of this program to our community, and it’s up to each and every one of us to come to a fair and equitable agreement in sustaining the program and all the incredible work being done.

As all parties involved look forward to an amenable agreement, it is important to remember that these negotiations are a process, guided by sound fiscal practices, and a commitment to protecting our schools. We are all confident that a fair solution to this matter will be reached in the weeks to come."

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