Rochelle – The City of Rochelle and the Rochelle Elementary District 231 Tuesday afternoon announced the selection of Rochelle police officer Jim Jakymiw as the district school resource officer.

The appointment is pending final contract approval by both the Rochelle City Council and the elementary school board.

“The SRO will be in the schools to serve as a role model and a resource for both the students and staff,” said Rochelle Police Chief Eric Higby. “I know Officer Jakymiw will be fantastic with the kids.”

The resource officer’s role is to serve as an educator, mentor and lastly, law enforcer.  Along with helping to provide a safe learning environment, the SRO works to foster positive relationships with students, helps students in developing problem-solving strategies and develops presentations for school staff.  

Officer Jakymiw joined the Rochelle department in 2007. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration and has received training in breath alcohol testing, patrol tactics and incident command. Officer Jakymiw is a certified juvenile officer, bike officer and car seat technician.

The proposed agreement includes the officer serving the school district during the school year and returning to regular police department duties during the summer months with each entity funding their time period. 

Both organizations hope to have the agreement in place by the start of October.

“This is another prime example of the city and local school districts working cooperatively together to provide a valuable service to the parents, teachers and children of our community,” city manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said. 

“District 231 looks forward to partnering with the City of Rochelle, and specifically with Officer Jakymiw, on providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students,” Jason Harper, superintendent of Rochelle Elementary District 231, said.