School finds new job for cop

By Kristen Garrett
Herald Staff Writer

The Sharon City School District is making the most of the resources in the community by hiring an aptly-titled Community Resource Educator.

The CRE is Jim Masotto, the D.A.R.E. officer for the Sharon police department. Masotto said patrolman Brian Faber is going to take over the position of D.A.R.E. officer.

Dr. Donna DeBonis, director of curriculum and instruction, said the district is able to do have the CRE because of a state grant in conjunction with the city of Sharon. She said Masotto will be right in the classrooms contributing to the teacher’s discussions in areas such as heath education, decision making, law, family living and current issues.

Robert Alcaro, high school principal, said the grant only covers the CRE for the last 39 days of the school year, but they are working to get more grant money to keep the program going next year.

Dr. DeBonis said Masotto will be at the high school two to three days a week, and he will spend one day a week in one of the three elementary schools. She said school officials are looking at this opportunity as an educational partnership between the school and the city. She sad the school wanted a CRE that could be a liaison between the school and the city.

Masotto will not only be in the classroom, but he will also help to man the “tardy table” in the morning and work with Michael Tomko, the home school liaison, Dr. DeBonis said.

Alcaro said Masotto can help to change and modify student behavior by mediating disputes and teaching them to make good decisions and get to school on time. DeBonis added these are skills that are needed in the community after leaving high school.

As the D.A.R.E. officer, Masotto said many of the kids in the school district know him. He said it’s important for the kids to see him around the school frequently.

“Every time a kid sees a police officer, they shouldn’t think there’s something wrong,” Masotto said. He said his personal goal is to make sure kids are not afraid of police officers and will go to an officer is they are in trouble.

Masotto stressed that his position as a CRE in the school is “not for security reasons.” He said if a situation should arise he can handle it, but his primary reason for being there is to help educate and guide the students.

Police chief Raymond C. Greene said it’s a “great position” for Masotto. He said with all of the violence in school, it’s good to have a program to educate kids and give them a mentor and guide during their school years.

“I think it’s going to be a real benefit to the city” Greene said.

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