Berlin-Boilston Subcommittee Defers SRO Decision, Orders District-Wide Survey

BERLIN — November 4, 2025 — Berlin-Boilston school officials take no action on school resource officer, call for community survey. The Budget, Facilities, and Safety Subcommittee of the Berlin-Boilston Regional School Committee convened a public hearing Tuesday at which Boilston Police Chief John Anzi and Berlin Police Chief Eric Shartner outlined the SRO role, with Chief Anzi estimating startup costs at roughly $100,000 and warning that dedicated placement would require at least a full school year of preparation. The Tahanto administrative team read a formal statement opposing the expenditure, noting zero police-assistance calls at the school this year and the loss of two full-time teaching positions in last year's budget. Four residents offered split testimony: two parents backed the SRO concept, one parent called for a data-driven process before any decision, and Sher Arden urged the committee to await resolution of the March 2025 officer-involved shooting of a Boilston man before proceeding. Superintendent Al Aquer said a district-wide strategic planning survey — covering students, parents, taxpayers, and alumni — will launch the following week and will include a direct question on the SRO, with results expected to guide budget talks for both towns.