CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council recently renewed a memorandum of understanding with Konocti Unified School District for a school resource officer.

Clearlake Police Officer Bobi Jo Oakley will continue to serve in the school resource officer position.

“Officer Oakley is a tremendous asset, not only to Lower Lake High School, but to the district as a whole,” said Konocti Unified Superintendent Donna Becnel. “If there are any issues that come up, she is immediately available.”

Becnel commended Oakley's ability to communicate with the students, her preventative tactics and efforts, and her positive influence on students.

“She builds relationships with the students and knows what's going on in the community,” Becnel said. “She is able to work with the students before things happen and her presence contributes to a calming atmosphere on campus.”

The school resource officer position was reinstated in the 2014-15 academic year at the request of Konocti Unified in effort to support and promote safety on various district campuses.

The costs of the officer's salary, benefits and training – up to $120,000 per year – are paid by the school district.

Clearlake Police Chief Craig Clausen said the amount is more than sufficient to cover those costs and well worth the rewards of having a school resource officer.

“The school resource officer has been benefit not only to the schools, department and the community, but it's also good to have the students see and interact with an officer outside of enforcement,” he said.

Clausen added, “Officer Oakley is doing an excellent job. She has formed bonds not only with the students and staff, but also with the parents.”

The school resource officer remains an employee of the Clearlake Police Department and reports to the district superintendent. During school holidays and vacations, the officer will resume duties for the police department.

The school resource officer works regularly from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and at other school events such as football games and school dances, as needed.

Email Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .