Kris Asla, who joined the Sherwood Police Department last year, will assume duties at the school

A new school resource officer has been assigned to duties at Sherwood High School will begin duties shortly.

On Wednesday evening, Officer Kris Asla will be introduced by Sherwood Police Capt. Ty Hanlon during the Sherwood School Board meeting set for 7 p.m. at Sherwood High School, 16956 S.W. Meinecke Road.

A native Oregonian, Asla is a 1999 graduate of Century High School. He then graduated from Eastern Oregon University with degrees in English and physical education, receiving honors in both fields.

From there, he became a college recruiter for Eastern Oregon University and Pacific University.

Asla began his law enforcement career as a reserve officer for the Forest Grove Police Department and was hired as a full-time officer by the Sherwood Police Department in 2011.

"Officer Asla is looking forward to helping to further the relationship between the police department and the district as a positive liaison between the two organizations," Superintendent Heather Cordie wrote in a memo to board members. "He is excited to build strong relationships with staff and students and be a resource to as many people as he can."

Asla replaces Officer Adam Keesee who has returned to a patrol position with the department.