BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor
When students in Hillsborough County elementary schools returned to class on Monday, January 7, 2013, after Christmas break, they were greeted by the presence of police officers from the Tampa Police Dept. or deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
The visible presence of officers at elementary schools locally was brought on by a lone gunman who took the lives of many at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on Friday, December 14, 2012.
The Hillsborough County School District immediately took action and had officers in the elementary schools the following Monday.
During the holiday break, law enforcement and Superintendent MaryEllen Elia worked together to develop a plan for the county’s elementary schools. At the beginning of the school day and when school is dismissed, officers are present at the schools. Principals are elated.
Ms. Bonnie McDaniel, principal at Robles Elementary School (home of the Eagles) said, “the faculty, staff, parents and the kids are thrilled. The very first day, I overhead a parent saying to the officer, ‘thank you for being here.’ Their presence makes a big difference.”
Ms. McDaniel said her school has a Resource Officer, but the presence of officers at the beginning and ending of the day is a welcome sight.
Ms. Pat McCant, principal at Sheehy Elementary School (home of the Lions), said she has gotten nothing but positive feedback from parents and faculty.
“The officers are not an intrusion on the faculty, staff or the kids,” she said. “Their presence will help to develop the kids’ relationship with the officers.”
Additionally, Ms. McCant said she tells the officers to park their cars in front of the building so that their presence can be felt.
Ms. Sarah Jacobsen-Capps, principal at West Tampa’s Dunbar Elementary School (home of the Dolphins), said the presence of the officers “is well received as expected. There has been nothing but positive comments from the parents.”
Next week, Supt. Elia is expected to present a proposal to the School Board designed to make elementary schools safer and more secure. The proposal will include controlled access to campuses, additional crisis management training and hiring additional 130 security personnel.
