Woodland School District welcomes Officer Roberto Cuneta as new school resource officer

This vital role, funded by the Woodland City Council, is a significant step to enhance safety and build stronger connections between our schools, law enforcement, and the community

WOODLAND – The Woodland School District is thrilled to welcome Officer Roberto Cuneta as its first School Resource Officer (SRO). This vital role, funded by the Woodland City Council, is a significant step to enhance safety and build stronger connections between our schools, law enforcement, and the community.

Chief of Police Robert Gibbs collaborated closely with Mayor Todd Dinehart and Superintendent Asha Riley to develop the rigorous hiring process for this position.

Officer Cuneta brings six years of law enforcement experience to the role, having previously served in Ridgefield and worked with Native American tribes. He is also actively involved in the Police Activities League. He joined the Woodland Police Department in January 2025, motivated specifically by his interest in the SRO opportunity. As a father of a 7-year-old son and the eldest of five children, Officer Cuneta is personally invested in building a positive connection between students and the Police Department. He will be a regular, positive presence across all schools in the district, focusing on building trust and serving as a key liaison.

What is a school resource officer (SRO)?

A school resource officer is a certified law enforcement officer assigned to work directly within a school setting. The SRO’s mission is multifaceted:

• To help ensure safety and security for students and staff.
• To build positive relationships with students and faculty.
• To serve as a positive role model and resource for the school community.

What will Woodland’s SRO do?

Officer Cuneta’s role will be focused on proactive engagement and support throughout the district:

• He will rotate through all district schools to ensure every student and staff member benefits from his presence.
• His primary focus will be on proactively building trust and positive relationships with students.
• He will serve as the essential liaison between the school administration and the Woodland Police Department.
• He will help ensure the safety and security of all school facilities and students.
• He will also be available to mentor and provide informal guidance and support to students.

Success story in action: Bike recovery 

The positive impact was immediate. Recently, after a student’s bike was stolen from the rack, Officer Cuneta was quickly contacted. He met with the student, who had witnessed the theft, and quickly began the investigation by collaborating with staff and utilizing the school’s camera footage. Officer Cuneta swiftly used the evidence to recover the stolen bike and return it to its very happy owner.

This incident highlights the value of having a dedicated SRO who can quickly coordinate with school personnel, use available resources, and apply law enforcement expertise to ensure a positive resolution for our students.

Information provided by the Woodland School District.