(WBEN) - Armed security guards will be stationed at all 29 Catholic elementary schools in Western New York for each full school day of the 2025-26 academic year, according to a letter emailed to parents and guardians by the new superintendent of the Diocese of Buffalo.
Joleen Dimitroff, the new superintendent, said the Department of Catholic Schools has hired Vista/Tarian Security to provide the guards.
“In light of recent events across our country, we recognize the importance of providing additional measures to protect our students and the dedicated teachers and staff who serve them each day,” Dimitroff wrote.
Funding for the guards will come from the Foundation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. The money will also cover a security consultant, who will assist principals, pastors and faith leaders in creating safety plans for each school.
Tuition will increase beginning next year.
“This initiative is a reflection of our shared belief that the safety of our children is priceless and must be protected with the highest level of care,” Dimitroff wrote. “We are deeply grateful to the Foundation for making this possible and for supporting our schools in providing a secure, faith-filled environment where our students can thrive.”
Vista/Tarian will begin by installing the security consultant immediately. Because of the large number of guards required, it may take longer to assign a full-time guard to every school.
In the meantime, one security guard will be assigned to each community of schools. Vista/Tarian will work with principals and pastors to prioritize security needs. Throughout the year, the Catholic Education Department will send surveys to parents to gather feedback on the effectiveness of the new security measures.
Responsibilities of the security consultant include:
· Campus safety oversight
· Emergency preparedness
· Policy and procedure management
· Training and staff support
· Incident management
· Risk and technology management