It's been a year since a security guard has patrolled the halls of Reynolds schools.

The two security guards previously on the job were eliminated this year because of the district's tight budget. School directors are now hoping a grant will help place a full-time Pymatuning Township policeman there.

During a special meeting Tuesday, directors discussed the possibility of applying for a Citizens Option of Public Safety grant with township supervisors. COPS is a three-year grant that offers up to $40,000 a year, or $125,000 over three years, for a full-time policeman, and includes training and other benefits. The grant specifies that plans must be in place to fund the police presence in the fourth year. The grant also has to be enforced through the township, not the school district.

Pymatuning Township Supervisor Jim Kaller said the problem is that neither the school district nor the township has the money to pay for a policeman in the fourth year. School directors offered the option to split the cost down the middle, about $15,000 to $17,000, with the township in the fourth year. Board President Jeffrey Colson said a decision was needed soon in order to apply in time for the June 13 deadline.

Placing a policeman in the schools would have to be "highly fundable from an external source," said school Superintendent Anthony Trosan.

Township Supervisor Joe Selnekovic said the township is also facing financial pressure from the road and fire departments.

"Our revenue is way down from last year to this year. Don't be surprised by next year if we raise taxes," Selnekovic said, adding that township taxes haven't been raised in about 18 years.

The policeman would spend 75 percent of the time at the school -- six hours a day for the five day school week. With a full-time policeman at the schools, the township would have to hire another, Kaller said. He said the starting salary for a township police officer would be about $22,700.

"There lies the problem. We're not financially capable of hiring on our staff at this time."

School Director John Lowry said both parties would have three years to plan for the fourth year.

"Even if we put money aside each year for the fourth year we would be in good condition. You never know how beneficial an officer might be," he said.

Colson added that the grant would be a "win-win" situation for the township and the school district. He said the program would give students a chance to see police in a positive light, offering more respect and alleviating bad feelings.

Township supervisors plan to give their answer at a school board meeting Monday.