School Resource Officer Ike Herbel has submitted his resignation letter, effective March 11, to the Gasconade County R-2 Board of Education.

Herbel has been employed by the district since April 2023 and has served as a private security officer. He is commissioned through the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office.

When asked why he resigned from the position, Herbel said he needed to assist his family inside the home.

“Just resigning due to conflict with family matters,” he explained. “My wife is a full-time RN and in her nurse practitioner program. Her grades were slipping and I didn’t want her to (miss out) on school. Our Kids, the farm, and trying to build a house — we just had to make a decision.”

The SRO who protects 1,800 students on daily is about to become a stay-at-home dad and farmer — for now.

“It’s about family priorities,” he said. “I told (the district) I would see how it goes and may be able to pick it up again next year.”

Until then, he is willing to assist whoever takes the position now.

“Whatever the situation would be,” Herbel said. “I am not sure what that entails. I think I was the only applicant last time.”

Herbel added that when he first started with the district it was a slightly higher salary than working at the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Department offered. Since then, the county’s law enforcement tax has assisted the department in raising wages. Now the SRO position makes slightly less than a county officer.

“I think the school may want to look at making the wage more competitive,” Herbel said. “The pay is slightly more than what a brand-new officer would be, but this position wouldn’t be for a new officer.”

When asked why he was resigning before the end of the school year, Herbel reiterated that family priorities needed him now.

“Family comes first in all that I can do,” Herbel said. “We are focusing more on raising some hogs and have some decent-looking ones for a show line for the County Fair. Our girls show some. We will start offering whole and half hog and cattle for butcher. I think since COVID, people are more focused on buying local.”

He is looking forward to being available for his family but is only a phone call away if needed.

“I told (officials) I would see how it goes and may be able to pick up next year,” he said. “I’m still willing to help with special events like prom and big games.”

While Herbel has submitted his resignation, it has not been approved by the district at this time. He is still actively employed until March 11 as the district seeks to partner with the Owensville Police Department for a replacement.