Dona Ana County Sheriff changes stance on providing SROs to Gadsden ISD

EL PASO, Texas [KFOX14] — The Dona Ana County sheriff appears to not only be avoiding the discussion of school resource officers, but also her stance on what she said before she was re-elected.

Sheriff Kim Stewart was up against Byron Hollister during her re-election campaign.

In a forum in October, Hollister said he would prioritize placing school resource officers at all school campuses and Stewart provided the following response:

“We already have presented a plan to Gadsden Independent School District and it is awaiting county management approval just so you know," she said.

Less than one year from that statement, Stewart appears to have a much different stance.

In the span of a month, the sheriff skipped out on two Dona Ana County Commissioners meetings where they were said to discuss a contract that would have approved five school resource officers from the sheriff's department to Gadsden ISD.

KFOX14 tried to get a comment from the sheriff via email, phone and in-person.

While we were unable to reach her, she responded to another reporter's request stating: she did not want to waste taxpayers' money.

Some residents of Dona Ana County believe as an elected official Stewart should be present for those conversations.

“She should respond to something like this for our safety, for our own schools here, our teachers and everyone else being here in the community because it’s really important,” said Francisco Lopez.

Another resident added the sheriff seems to be avoiding the public and certain questions they might have for her.

“She should play her role right, 'cause we elected her that’s why she’s there, not to forget that,” said Patricia Bayona.

Parents of Gadsden ISD shared the same opinion while adding they disagree with the sheriff refusing to provide SROs.

“It’s been 3 or 4 years that we’ve been battling with this about us wanting there to be an armed officer at every campus to protect our kids,” said Marisela Rodriguez.

As for parent Leslie Esparza, she said the sheriff should make sure her plans are concrete so she doesn’t lose the public trust.

“She should have a set of plans that are concrete so we know and we have our confidence in her because then if she changes plans . it makes her less trustworthy so it makes us doubt her.”

RECOMMENDED: Dona Ana County sheriff's absence stalls Gadsden ISD school resource officer contract

To contact Dona Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart, click here.

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