Derby School Considers National Guard Presence: Report

DERBY, CT — Derby Public School officials said they are considering the possibility of adding a National Guard presence to one of their schools, according to media reports. While officials have stressed the idea is in an "infancy" state at the moment, they believe the idea could benefit students in a number of ways.

The idea involves National Guard troops opening an office in Debry High School to add an extra pair of eyes to school security, the Valley Independent Sentinel reported. Connecticut National Guard officials said they are open to meeting with school officials to learn more about their ideas.

According to Fox 61, National Guard troops would not be armed, however school officials believe they would still help keep kids safe by providing another layer of school security and serving as positive role models.

Governor Danell Malloy has said that schools security is a local decision, however he does not support armed military presence in Connecticut schools.

Derby Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Conway has suggested that members of the National Guard could conduct recruitment activities within the school, which already happens occasionally throughout the school year, according to the Valley Independent Sentinel.

While some parents who have heard about the idea support having an extra layer of security in school, some expressed concerns about school officials having to take what they see as a drastic measure, Eyewitness News 3 reported.

According to Fox 61, National Guard officials stressed that no decisions have been made as the idea is merely a dialogue at the moment, and no formal request has been made by school officials.

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