School District puts elementary school security personnel on hold for now

For now, the Manatee County School District is dragging its feet on increased security for k-5 students.

At its meeting Aug. 26, the School Board decided to table discussions on a contract between the district and security personnel who may occupy area elementary schools. The decision to address the issue at the district's next meeting came after board members, such as Dave Miner and Karen Carpenter, voiced concerns over not having sufficient time to review the contract.

Education officials don't anticipate the increased security measures to take effect for at least another month.

School Board member Barbara Harvey, however, is ready to move on crafting an agreement to bring the 35 individuals to county schools.

"If just one child gets hurt, just one, because we didn't make a move (on approving this contract tonight) I'm going to be very upset," Harvey said. "You haven't seen me mad like that before."

Last month, the School Board allotted about $1.6 million to hire 35 full-time security officers — military veterans or retired law enforcement officers — to provide security at elementary schools. The move received mixed reviews from Miner and has raised questions throughout the community.

The school district's next meeting will be held from 5:45 to 8 p.m. Sept. 9.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].