Students at Bradenton elementary schools might have to attend classes without the benefit of security guards on campus in the very near future.
The Manatee County School District has decided to pull its contract with Sarasota Security Patrol after the Citizens for Sunshine group filed a lawsuit alleging the district violated the state’s Sunshine Law when it took action to put guards in schools, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
District Superintendent Rick Mills sent a letter Wednesday notifying the security company its contract would be canceled as of Oct. 31, the Bradenton Herald reported. The nonprofit watchdog group alleged in its suit that an Aug. 20 meeting that resulted in the Sarasota firm’s hiring did not come with public notice as required by the state’s Sunshine Law.
Find out what's happening in Bradentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Unarmed security guards began patrolling 31 of Manatee County’s 33 elementary schools on Sept. 17. While the contract was for armed guards, the district held off on allowing guns on campus while waiting for clarification from the state if that move was legal.
It is unclear at this time what security measures will be put in place once the guards are pulled Oct. 31.
Find out what's happening in Bradentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“The next step forward should be the first step we never took,” the Herald-Tribune quoted school board member David Miner as saying. “The chief goal is to keep the children safe and we need to figure out how to do it.”
What do you think should be done to keep Manatee County’s elementary school kids safe? Share your ideas by commenting below!
Not sure how to comment on Patch? Be sure to check out this article for easy instructions.
See Also:
Photo Credit: Image via Shutterstock
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
