MIDDLETOWN, N.J. (1010 WINS) – The board of education in Middletown approved a decision to place armed retired police officers in its large school district through at least the end of the 2022-23 academic year.
The decision came unanimously earlier this week following the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 students and two teachers dead.
Middletown, with more than 9,200 students in its 16 schools, will have a Class III special officer in each school building through the end of this June. These officers must be less than 65 years old and have been retired within the past three years according to the New Jersey School Boards Association.
A Letter of Intent outlining the approved measures “assigning a Class III special law enforcement officer to every school in the District, at a rate not to exceed $35.00 per hour.”
“This action, along with increased funding for mental health services, is a commitment from our administration, board and township to put our children first and foremost,” school board Vice President Jacquelin Tobacco said in a statement to NJ.com.
Middletown Mayor Tony Perry tweeted the announcement that police security at all 16 public schools will be effective as of Wednesday, June 1, through the remainder of the school year.
“We are fortunate to have officers who relate well with our youth and can offer the type of protection needed in today’s environment,” said BOE President Frank Capone in the Middletown Township press release.
The township council in Middletown will discuss the measure on Monday.
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