By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter
GREENEVILLE (WATE) – When Greeneville students and teachers returned to school Monday after their winter break, they were joined by new members of the staff.
"Today we start a new initiative of just placing four additional officers in our school district," explained Greeneville director of schools Dr. Linda Stroud.
A Greeneville police officer is now assigned to all six schools in the system.
In the past, a full-time officer and a part-time officer rotated between the schools, but following the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, police and school officials decided more security was needed.
"I'm very appreciative of our town for providing this
resource for us," said Hal Henard Elementary School principal Janet Ricker. "I think it makes our parents and community feel
better."
Parents who were dropping off their children Monday morning welcomed the change.
"It was fine with me," said parent John Miles. "I did not have anything
against having a police officer in the school system. I think it's a
great idea."
Schools officials say they hope the additional officers will be a permanent change.
"We don't know that for sure," said Dr. Stroud. "We are very hopeful that it will be put in place for now on. That will be my recommendation."
There will be a city council meeting on January 15 to discuss the addition of the police officers more. Right now, the officers are being paid through the Greeneville Police Department's budget.
Plans for the new guard assignments were made last Wednesday.
Deputies were also recently assigned to protect Campbell County schools.
An armed guard is now assigned to all six schools in the Greeneville City Schools system.
