×

Humboldt hires its first school resource officer

Rutz will help build link with students, police department

HUMBOLDT — A school resource officer will debut in the Humboldt Community School District next fall.

The Humboldt City Council on Monday unanimously approved the hiring of Susan Rutz, of Dakota City, for the position.

The city and the school district will share Rutz’s services and split the cost. Her starting salary will be about $40,000.

“One of the things that Susan will bring as a true school resource officer is help build that relationship with the students and the Police Department,” Travis Goedken, city administrator, said. “Give them an individual that they can identify with and have as a point of contact.”

Rutz, who was a longtime reserve officer for the city of Fort Dodge, has already begun her work with the city of Humboldt, according to Goedken

“She will be working for the city for primarily code enforcement until next school year,” Goedken said. “While she was a reserve officer, she’s not a certified officer. We will be sending her to the academy and there is an additional school resource officer training she will attend.”

Rutz also has experience as an adjunct instructor for Iowa Central Community College and as an educator for the Domestic/ Sexual Assault Outreach Center.

According to Greg Darling, Humboldt Community School District superintendent, the idea to bring on a school resource officer was considered in the past, but the funding didn’t necessarily make sense.

“The big thing is there is a new funding formula that we can take it out of another account other than our general account,” Darling said. “It was a combo of security on the grounds and we can fund it easier now than what we used to be able to.”

Staffing a resource officer was overdue, Darling said.

“We did research on it and we are one of the few 3A schools that doesn’t have one,” he said. “Schools our size generally have a school resource officer, so we are kind of behind the times.”

Darling said Rutz may at some point teach a criminal justice class at the school.

“We are excited to have her start next year when the school year starts,” he said. “We are happy to have her on board. We think she will be an asset and a good team member.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today