Richmond Community Schools scheduled and then postponed a special meeting on Dec. 20 to discuss a new memorandum of understanding between Richmond Police Department and RCS that could affect who runs school security efforts.
On Dec. 19, RCS staff notified media that the meeting would not take place the next day, and a new date had not yet been set.
If an agreement is reached, RPD is expected to take over as RCS’ primary law enforcement entity upon dissolution of RCS Police Department, which was formed in summer 2023, based on a discussion at Richmond Common Council’s Dec. 16 meeting.
Under RPD’s leadership, school resource officers serving RCS would be employed by and report to RPD leaders.
During the city council meeting, RPD Chief Kyle Weatherly said serving RCS wouldn’t cost the city anything and would add to the department’s current staffing. When fully staffed, RPD has 76 officers.
RCS hasn’t issued a statement about the potential end of RCSPD or an agreement with RPD.
However, at its Dec. 11 regular board meeting, RCS approved the resignation of Rick A. Thalls, who has served as district-wide chief of police since the department was created. Thalls’ resignation is to be effective as of Jan. 3.
Prior to leading RCSPD, Thalls was a school resource officer for Richmond High School in August 2022 through Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and area manager of school safety resources. Before transitioning to school safety, Thalls previously was WCSO’s chief deputy.
Thalls’ father, also named Rick Thalls, retired in 2020 after working for RCS for 33 years as RHS’ school resource officer.
Before the July 2023 vote on the younger Thalls’ new role as chief, then RPD Chief Mike Britt addressed the board. Britt expressed confidence in Thalls and said RCS “is on the right path” as it creates its own department.
Britt noted this “bold undertaking” didn’t come up overnight, and that he was part of a series of meetings with RCS Superintendent Curtis Wright and then Richmond Mayor Dave Snow.
Britt admitted RCS having its own police force was “not my first choice,” feeling city officers should be policing schools, but the already shorthanded RPD couldn’t provide officers.
Upon Wright’s recommendation, RCS’ board voted 5-2 in June 2023 to not renew its agreement with WCSO that was to end the following month. The nay votes came from Aaron Stevens, an RPD officer, and Stacy Mopps, who later resigned from the board to become RCS’ director of human resources.
During the transition, all three SROs overseeing RCS security under WCSO’s leadership joined RCSPD. Those officers continued to be based at RHS, Dennis Middle School and Community Youth Services.
In July 2023, Thalls told the board that he wanted to hire a fourth officer to cover Test Intermediate and Hibberd Program Building, offer flexibility for illness, training or other responsibilities and add officers to serve younger grades as funds allow.
When announcing the creation of RCSPD, its officers noted their dedicated team of highly trained law enforcement officials had an “unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, security and well-being of all students within our city.”
In July 2023, Wright said RPD’s guidance helped RCS avoid issues that have affected other school corporations while creating police departments.
“We’re just as safe as we have been, and we’ll work to continue to increase and enhance our safety and security,” Wright said.
At that time, RCS attorney Ron Cross acknowledged that many questions were still being resolved during RCSPD’s activation. A company was providing written policies and procedures for consideration.
RCSPD said officers would maintain a proactive approach by working closely with school administrators, faculty and local law enforcement agencies to develop comprehensive safety plans and strategies tailored to RCS’ unique needs.
“Their goal will be to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions, navigate challenges, and cultivate a safe and inclusive school culture,” the statement said.
Policy discussion
RCS’ board conducted a special 80-minute meeting on Monday, Dec. 16, to review and discuss policies.
Topics included personal communication devices, evaluation of the superintendent, supplemental payments for teachers, required reports and protection of whistleblowers, and board member ethics.
President Kristen Brunton was absent.
The board had conducted a special policy meeting on Nov. 26.
RCS’ next special policy meeting will take place in January, but a date wasn’t available as of press time.
A version of this article appeared in the January 1 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.