Florida County Prepares for Upcoming School Year
As the 2019-2020 school year rapidly approaches, St. Lucie County schools are adding eight SROs, two K9s and 25 new mental health service providers to their security force.
- By Kaitlyn DeHaven
- August 07, 2019
St. Lucie County schools are preparing for the upcoming school year with some additions to their security force including eight new school resource officers, two K9s and 25 new mental health service providers.
The district had 53 trained law enforcement officers last year, and due to the referendum passing, the district will now have 61 officers. These eight new officers will ensure that a trained officer is at every school. Rosco and Justice, two K9s, will now be on the team to detect drugs, firearms and track any student who has left the campus. Two Fort Pierce Police Department officers will be on campus.
“We think that, that gives us the best level of protection for our students,” said St. Lucie County Schools Superintendent Wayne Gent.
The district has also hired 25 new mental health service providers to be counselors, behavioral technicians, behavioral analysts and social workers.
St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara said there has been an increase in threats made to schools, and warned everyone to take every threat seriously.
“Don’t play the fool at school because there are severe consequences,” said Sheriff Mascara.
The district will also put a new Active Shooter Awareness Program in place for all St. Lucie County teachers. The program will include a panic button for each employee, check-in feature, live chat and mass notification options.
About the Author
Kaitlyn DeHaven is the Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.