BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

On Tuesday, members of the Hillsborough County School Board held a workshop to discuss school security. The School Board approved the hiring of national school safety expert Michael Dorn, who delivered his report during the workshop.

For several years, middle schools and high schools have permanently assigned school resource officers or school resource deputies. But, that has been a luxury elementary schools did not have.

However, the murder of 20 students and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December has drawn national attention to school security.

Recently, members of the school board received a letter from the Hillsborough County Elementary Principals Council bearing the signatures of all 140 elementary school principals. The letter discussed concerns about campus safety and security.

It also suggested “Safety, security, and crisis training for all employees; Establish/increase clear controls or limitations for campus access; and Ensure every elementary school has a full time security officer assigned.”

When contacted by the Sentinel, Mrs. Joyce Miles, Principal of Oak Park Elementary School has a permanently assigned officer.

“I am in favor of having an officer. I don’t know what I would do without him. The officers are trained as First Responders and if someone comes on campus, they would know what to do.

“Since he has been here, he has built a rapport with parents and has gained great respect. I recommend it for all schools.”

Mrs. Beverly Smith, Principal of Edison Elementary School does not have permanently assigned security.

“I think it’s would be a fantastic idea. Just their presence deters some parents who are upset about something coming on campus. Things happen throughout the entire day.”

A spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department said there are currently 27 school resource officers assigned to middle and high schools in the city limits. Additional officers cover elementary schools at arrival and dismissal time.

A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said there are 47 school resource deputies, including a Truancy Center deputy, permanently assigned. However, all of the schools in the county have deputies working on an off-duty basis. Their salaries are drawn from the Sheriff’s budget and they are required to report to the schools.

Steve Hegarty, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County School District, said the school district also has 19 school security officers assigned to elementary schools.

“Our people have a lot of training and they are assigned to the schools. They can detain someone until police arrive. But, they are not police officers and don’t make arrests.”

He further stated that the schools are covered until the end of the school year. However, there is ongoing discussion and he is unsure what comes next.