Greenwich Schools To Add Armed Officers Across District

GREENWICH, CT — In a special meeting last Friday, the Greenwich Board of Education unanimously approved $271,000 to add five armed Greenwich Police Department officers to cover the town's elementary and middle schools.

In August when the district originally put forward a plan to increase school security, the school board requested $619,820 for 15 unarmed campus safety monitors. A Request For Proposal was issued seeking bidders. Two companies responded, and the most competitive bidder, Arrow Security, was selected after a review.

But concerns were raised by the Representative Town Meeting on Sept. 19 about outsourcing security for the district and the impact it would have on the town's contract with Laborer’s International Union of North America (LIUNA).

Earlier that day, the Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation voted to defer a vote on school monitor funding to give the school board more time to come up with a different plan.

At last Friday's special meeting, Board of Education Chair Kathleen Stowe said the revised plan to implement five Greenwich police officers came from GPD Chief James Heavey.

"The chief and the team felt this was a solid plan that covered our schools well," she said.

Board of Education members praised the plan to add armed officers.

"I like this more than the original plan. I think you've got more qualified, armed people protecting kids. I think it's a better outcome," said Cody Kittle.

Karen Kowalski agreed with Kittle.

"I trust Chief Heavey. I think he's come up with and provided us an excellent plan to keep our schools secure and our children inside of them safe. This is the right approach, it's the right spend, it's the right solution for now," she said.

Kowalski said school security will have to be "an ongoing dialogue" between the board.

Joe Kelly also supported the new plan.

"It's hard to throw money at issues at times, but this unique time we're in when it comes to securing our most precious assets, our children, we have to trust our law enforcement professionals," Kelly said. "Luckily Chief Heavey is very good at what he does. I feel motivated to make sure we do whatever is recommended to make sure we look after the safety of our children."

The BET and the RTM will have to ultimately approve the funding.

The $217,000 for five officers is part of an overall security plan for Greenwich Public Schools. The district will use $400,835 for school infrastructure upgrades, which the RTM approved on Sept. 19.

The RTM also approved $411,000 to mobilize extra Greenwich police patrol cars to the east, central and western parts of town.