Matt Dunsbergen, L-S Superintendent, accepts recognition for his support of the School Resource Officer Program on Friday, Sept. 27. He is surrounded by Jasper County Chief Deputy Duane Rozendaal, on the left, and Lynnville-Sully School Resource Officer Corey Van Kooten.
Since its inception in 2020, the School Resource Officer (SRO) partnership between the Lynnville-Sully Community School District and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in a safer school environment and meaningful relationships built between law enforcement and L-S students and staff.
The partnership developed when the United States Department of Justice awarded the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office a $299,522 grant, which funded a four-year commitment for an SRO at L-S. Jasper County Deputy Corey Van Kooten was hired to fulfill the SRO position starting in December of 2021. Not only has his daily presence in the classrooms and hallways strengthened security at
L-S, but his ability to foster positive relationships with students has broken down barriers and redefined stereotypes over the years. L-S students respect and seek out SRO Van Kooten not only as a law enforcement officer, but as a trusted mentor and valued staff member.
In addition to protecting a safe learning environment, SRO Van Kooten’s role at the school includes vital training for students and staff. SRO Van Kooten has led trainings and assemblies, and he has also been essential in collaborating with other law enforcement officials to bring the latest training seminars and emergency preparedness to Lynnville-Sully classrooms.
SRO Van Kooten’s vital role in keeping L-S students and staff safe could not happen without strong support from L-S Superintendent Matt Dunsbergen. Dunsbergen has been a strong advocate of the SRO position since he took on the lead administrative role at L-S in 2021. His unwavering support and commitment led the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office to honor Dunsbergen on Friday, Sept. 27. Jasper County Chief Deputy Duane Rozendaal presented Dunsbergen with the honor alongside SRO Van Kooten on Friday morning.
