DISTRICT EXTENDS CASH TO HIRE CAMPUS POLICE OFFICER.

Byline: Paul O'Donoghue Staff Writer

The school district has offered to advance the city up to $41,000 to hire a police officer for Moorpark High School, an effort to get security at the campus beefed up more quickly.

The city expects to hear this month whether it will receive a federal grant to cover its share of the $114,500 needed to pay an officer's salary and benefits. The $41,000 from the school district will help get the officer on campus sooner, although not in time for the start of classes on Sept. 8.

And in case the grant is denied, the city has asked school officials for a guarantee that they will pay all the officer's costs until the position can be cut or alternate funding arrangements made.

School board president David Pollock said he planned to discuss the request with district Superintendent Tom Duffy.

``I am sure we'll give it serious consideration. I want to make sure I understand what risk that entails, what financial exposure that is for us,'' Pollock said.

Deploying an officer at the school was proposed last year by Steve Sill, then-president of the Moorpark Rotary Club, who offered to donate $10,000. The issue of campus security took on urgency following the April 20 massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo.

The city then agreed to pay 60 percent of the cost, with the district picking up the balance, on the condition that the officer would counsel students and teach classes - such as civics or law enforcement - in addition to providing security.

Moorpark Police Department spokeswoman Julie Smith said applicants for the post are being sought from within the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

Councilman John Wozniak said he hoped the city will receive the grant in light of the federal government's desire to increase security at middle and high school campuses in the wake of Columbine.

``I think it's a win-win (situation) for everyone and I'm just hoping that we can come through with it,'' he said.