The Otago Secondary Schools Principals' Association feels axing the lone schools' community sergeant in Dunedin will affect co-ordination between schools and police.
Confirmation of the role being disestablished means school community officers would now report to the police youth services co-ordinator.
Association president Gordon Wilson said the organisation made a submission asking police to reconsider the proposal to disestablish the role, as it believed it "could have an effect'' on how police and local schools worked together with pupils.
"We felt that the co-ordination role should have continued,'' Mr Wilson said.
"We discussed that at the time with the district commander.
"We're in agreement that the co-ordination must continue.''
Bayfield High School principal Judith Forbes said she was "disappointed'' the role would not continue.
Previously, the sergeant had worked "extensively'' throughout the school, especially with younger pupils around bullying, she said.
"I'm sure there would be a plan but we don't know what that plan is yet,'' Ms Forbes said.
Taieri College principal David Hunter said it was a "concern'' but felt, despite the disestablishment, schools would still have a "close relationship'' with police.
The Balclutha community would also lose roles in the Otago Coastal area restructure, including its criminal investigation unit and a community constable.
However, it was set to gain a public safety team constable, a detective and a prevention sergeant.
In other changes, Waikouaiti's vacant second constable position would not be filled but a new prevention sergeant position in Oamaru would be created.
The restructure would result in the number of police staff in the Otago Coastal area staying the same.
Police announced the proposal on April 12 and called for submissions.
Police received 20 submissions on the proposals, 10 internal and 10 external.
It is the fourth restructure in the past three years.
Otago Coastal area commander Inspector Jason Guthrie said the "realignment'' was made to "best fit the needs of the community'' and police continued to deploy staff to where the greatest risk was identified.
He would not comment specifically on why the school community sergeant position had been disestablished.
Submissions from the public showed the importance of the role police had in the community, Insp Guthrie said.
The Otago Daily Times requested more information from police on submissions.
A police media spokeswoman said submissions were "mixed'' and focused on effects of the changes but police were not prepared to release further information.
Police would implement the new structure in a staged approach up to July 18.
Otago Coastal police restructure plan
Disestablished positions
●Dunedin school community sergeant
● Waikouaiti constable
● Balclutha community constable
● Balclutha criminal investigation unitNew positions
● Oamaru prevention sergeant
● Balclutha prevention sergeant
● Balclutha police safety team constable
● Balclutha detective
● Other reporting-line changes for remaining staff
