FOXBURG, Clarion County — Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District could have its first school police officers before the end of the year.

School board members voted to accept a grant to cover salaries and advertise for two officers, who must have experience as Pennsylvania state troopers.

The board accepted a $37,635 Safe Schools Targeted School Police Officer Grant and approved advertising the two full-time positions, which they hope to fill in November, Superintendent David McDeavitt said.

McDeavitt said he is optimistic that an application for a $25,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will be approved in time to hire both officers next month.

The district has agreements with state and Emlenton police to respond when needed.

They provide good service, but they are not stationed at the remote district’s schools where officers are needed in emergencies, he said.

“We got good coverage from state police and Emlenton, but they are not here. Research shows you have to have someone present,” McDeavitt said.

The officers will be armed. One officer will be stationed in the junior-senior high school and the other officers will be stationed in the elementary school, he said.

“I’m really excited about hiring two police officers,” McDeavitt said.

Salaries haven’t been determined and will be based on experience, but the pay will be in the $18-$20 and hour range, he said.

The officers will have to have clearances required to work in schools and the district will have them trained in crisis prevention and intervention, he said.