CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — The future of who's responsible for security in Clay County Public Schools could be changing.
The School Board voted in favor of disbanding its police department and transfer security responsibility in schools to the Clay County Sheriff's Office.
This means the superintendent will begin contract negotiations with the sheriff's office for school resource officer services for the 2024-2025 school year.
“We need to restructure our police department," Clay County Schools District 1 Board Member Erin Skipper said.
The conversation brought mixed feelings about the future of school safety between school board members and Clay County parents Thursday night. The decision could mean this will put Clay County deputies in schools instead of school resource officers.
“Its not just protecting them against a school shooting, it's sexual assault, harassment, bullying, bringing weapons to school, disruptive behaviors, and the list goes on and on," LeAnne Lungsford said.
Some argued the sheriff's office has more resources to benefit students. But others said the officers in Clay County Schools have years of law enforcement experience and the department operates fine.
“The police department should exist," Joshua Saunders said during public comment.
"The district police are considered a specialized department that works to prevent juvenile delinquency through close contact and positive relationships with students," Steven Mills added.
Superintendent David Broskie says current school resource officers are welcome to transfer to the sheriff's office if they choose.
District 2 Board Member Mary Bolla says the number of officers in schools will not change but argued the idea of placing responsibility on deputies instead of school resource officers.
“School policing is different than community policing," District 2 Board Member Mary Bolla said.
The contract will be presented to the board for a final vote at a future date.