The Marlboro Board of Education told Patch on Wednesday that the decision to temporarily place officers in every school will cost the district an estimated $100,000 for 90 days.
Sharon Witchel, Director of Special Projects, Grants, and School/Community Relations said the money will come out of the district's general fund.
"During the 90-day period, the district will review current safety and security practices and determine future improvements, which will include fiscal considerations," Witchel said.
The decision to have armed guards in every school came to fruition in the wake of the Newtown, CT school shooting which claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults on Dec. 14.
While the township has digital security measures in place, including a Visitor Management System which scans drivers licenses of any school visitors and checks names against local, state and national databases; the Board of Education is now teaming up with the Marlboro Police Department to add bodies with guns to school front doors.
New security protocols were ironed out over the holiday break, and implemented as of Jan. 2.
Board President Michael Lilonsky said in a statement issued on Dec. 20, "The District’s administrative team met with the Police Chief Bruce Hall over a two-day period to effect a cost-effective plan to place armed, uniformed, Marlboro policemen in our schools effective from the beginning of each school day to the end of that day, or seven hours, beginning Jan. 2, 2013."
Last year, the board and public approved a . Superintendent Dr. David Abbott said 85 cents on of every dollar is generated through tax revenue, which makes up 80.2 percent of the budget. Almost 15 percent of the budget is comprised of state aid.
During and after 90 days, the township will conduct a security assessment and come back with suggestions of how to improve school security in the district. It will then be decided if having officers in every school will continue.
Is it 5 minutes? 10 minutes? Just curious..
I do not live in your municipality but would like to add my two cents . First children will not fear police officers in their schools if they were reared not to fear officers but to understand that they are there to be helpful. I know as a child I was told if I ever had a problem I should seek out an officer and get help. Second if having an armed officer is not a deterrent why have them at all. Most criminals and crazy people are not stupid they will seek out the softest target. Example one home has a security system the other has none, witch all they attempt to enter? Go figure ! Another thing you should ponder if armed security is not effective why have the secret service with many people that are targeted all the time by enemies for whatever the reason. You say "o" but there have been assassinations , yes but you have know idea how many have been avoided by having security. It's the same with police work , many crimes are not committed by just police in the area. Cost should be a consideration and there is a very expensive way to provide this security. Retired officers that have permits to carry firearms , they could be stationed in each school wearing a blazer not a uniform. The city I worked in pays approx $33,000.00 per yr. less than a janitor. No benefits needed. Yes I'm a retired cop , and have grandchildren in schools , I would like them to be secure. U can't protect very thing but are children should be first.
Most schools are secured , and allow entrance at only one point after school is in session. The entrance still has to be monitored , and who bettered then an person that has a law enforcement background . He will not have to be in uniform , a blazer with a breast pocket patch that can be tucked into the pocket and pulled out when needed. He can be armed and no one would see the weapon , Lisa what makes you so nervous about an officer with a gun I'm sure you have been near police officers and never gave it a second thought.
The answer is a simple yes or no.
The Bottom line is it can't be done!!! We can't have a police officer next to us at all times. It's cost prohibitive, and it's not a society I want, nor my children to live in. For those Board members that are for this "hidden tax" and are looking to promote the mayor's future ambitions----SHAME ON YOU!!! Did this district just have $100,000.00 lying around to pay these police officers??? I think not!! It must be taking away from another program.
I guess all nine board members must have been there supporting the mayor because they all voted for it. It is you and other republican operatives who have politicized something outside the realm Of partisan politic.
Now the Board of Education has created a new position of Security Supervisor. I like to call it the new security "czar." The funny and strange thing is the superintendent and BOE refuse to divulge what salary the person landing this job will receive. My thoughts is that the person is "pre-selected" for this position. I say that because the superintendent felt the person receiving such a position did not need more than an associates degree---hmmmm, I think before he departs at the end of the school year, he has someone in mind. This whole hysteria arising from the event in Newtown CT, is making life here in Marlboro more difficult and very expensive for the taxpayers-- and lucrative for the one that ends up with the security supervisor's position. All I can say in these tough times are: No new taxes;no extension of armed police officers in our schools; no appointment of a Security Supervisor with an undisclosed salary and benefits. It's time to be transparent.