Sarasota County School Police Association, I.U.P.A. Local #6046 Member Officer Michael Clarkson has been named the 2026 School-Related Employee of the Year!
Known as Officer Mike to the students and other staff, he completed what he thought was his law enforcement career in New Jersey in February 2018. After relocating to Osprey, Florida shortly after retirement, he found employment with what would be one of his most rewarding positions within the Sarasota County Schools Police Department as a School Resource Officer.
Officer Mike was hired in November 2018, and promptly assigned to Alta Vista Elementary School. Alta Vista is an “A” rated school that is also identified as Title 1. From the start, Officer Mike made use of his 32 years of experience (to date 41 years) and began creating relationships with staff, students, parents, and just about anyone associated with Alta Vista.
Officer Mike started programs such as “Meals with Mike,” which allows students one-on-one interaction with him and allows him to build mentoring relationships that continue to this day. Officer Mike maintains a can-do attitude and helps the school administration and staff accomplish its educational mission while ensuring a sense of trust and security. Alta Vista has changed from a pre-K to 5 elementary school to a pre-K to 8th grade school and welcomes the challenge.
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