MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Manatee County Schools is expected to unveil a new school security plan that involves hiring at least 40 armed officers to protect schools.
The plan is based on creating a Guardianship program, with armed personnel which we supervise and are trained by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, according to school district leaders.
Tampa Bay area schools make security changes for final days of school year following school shooting
Manatee County Schools asked county commissioners earlier this year for $1.3M to help for the new officers. However, commissioners told district leaders they need to dig deeper into their pockets or ask the state for help.
Manatee County Schools is required to add about 30 more resource officers to comply with new state regulations after the Parkland School shooting earlier this year.
The school district will continue with the 50/50 agreement with the County and City of Palmetto, Bradenton, and Holmes Beach for school resource officers at the secondary level, school leaders said.
Board members are expected to discuss the new plan at their meeting Tuesday afternoon.
