It's a first for a central Illinois school district.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Warrensburg-Latham Schools Superintendent Cheryl Warner told Regional Radio the district has been discussing the possibility of bringing in a school resource officer - stressing this isn't in response to a single incident or issue.

Officer Jonathan Butts comes to Warrensburg-Latham by way of the Macon County Sheriff's Department. A longtime active community member, Officer Butts is excited about the opportunity to be in his hometown, giving back in this capacity.

For many police departments, having a school resource officer in the school setting is a great way to provide community engagement with the next generation of those in the community. It's one of the many intangible benefits of being a school resource officer, according to Butts.

Students in Warrensburg-Latham Schools returned to class last Thursday. Warner and Officer Butts have been making the rounds through the various classrooms in the district to introduce him to all the students.