School board gives first nod to Guardian Program

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

The Lee County School Board will begin the conversations for policy and procedures to implement a Guardian Program

The very first swatting call we got was at South Fort Myers High School, Board member Chris Patricca said this week, fighting tears, adding that word was being spread that 21 were dead with an active shooter on the campus “At the same time my son sent me a text that 21 were dead and an active shooter was on campus It was absolutely terrifying I sit here as a parent that has been in your shoes ”

She said since then there have been more swatting incidents and other incidents on campus I am not as afraid as before I have been conditioned The kids are conditioned, too I am not hearing fear from them They are annoyed this is happening again ” Patricca said “Every time I have seen the reaction and response from law enforcement I have been incredibly impressed

She said it would be the Sheriff s Office that would train guardians armed civilians in the schools

“I have a lot of confidence in our sheriff and ability to train people for this role, Patricca said I have gone through an evolution in my thinking in the Guardian Program I was initially against it We have the support of the sheriff now Our chiefs of police will get behind it depending on what is in our policy

She said she is going to listen to law enforcement and if there is a sense that schools will be safer with guardians how can she say no to that?

Fear should not drive my decision making I am a parent, too I am not just making the decision without knowing what it is like to have kids in our schools ” Patricca said “I don’t know yet that I fully support this because the policy has not come before the board Right now we are directing the superintendent to write those policies We are put- ting it on the table ”

A resolution approved states that the school board desires to implement a Guardian Program to serve as a force multiplier for additional security and safety The school board directs the superintendent to work closely with Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno and the other local law enforcement agencies in devising and implementing the Guardian Program

The resolution further states that the purpose of the program is to “prevent and abate an active assailant on school premise ” It is a volunteer position to be a guardian, and candidates must be a full-time employee of the district in good standing

That candidate would undergo training by the Sheriff's Office including 12 hours of certified nationally-recognized diversity training and 132 hours of comprehensive firearm safety and proficiency training for a total of 144 hours A psychological evaluation and a drug test are also requirements There would be ongoing training weapon inspection and firearm qualifications on a minimum annual basis

There were many community members who spoke against the resolution during Tuesday night’s public comment

Although Dr Maryann Wilbur thanked the board for taking the safety of children seriously, she was very concerned about the resolution

“There is very little to no data that such a guardian would actually be prepared to stop an assailant ” she said adding that the chances of an unintentional firearm death of a child is expeditionally higher than the armed assailant being taken down We even know so much about this that I can predict what can happen ”

Board member Chris Patricca

Wilbur’s example included a janitor hanging up his holster in the bathroom while using the facility, then being called away to clean up vomit in the cafeteria and forgetting about the gun

“A child just like my first grade boy curious and smart and capable can easily unsnap the holster, pull the safety, point it at a friend and think he is kidding and shoot his friend Statistically that is what is going to happen if you pass this resolution The death of a child is on the hands of the people of this room ” she said

Others spoke with similar concerns, which included teachers of the district who said allowing more guns on a campus does not make them feel safer but rather unsafe

Andrew White another speaker shared that he was a student representative during Columbine I rise today to speak out about this resolution If we are at the point of throwing more guns at the situation you are absolutely escalating this ” he said “You are saying to the teachers please be human shields Accept the responsibility that you have to shoot a child in your care More guns does not equal better control Body armor, coordination and skills and our law enforcement struggle with this matter Bring more law enforcement in don’t destroy the faith and trust they have in students Don t put targets on their backs

There were also a few in favor of the Guardian Program such as Robert Daniels who shared that if students are properly told and educated about guns they are not going to accidentally shoot someone

This can be done safely, Daniels said After public comment, each board member shared their thoughts and concerns with some not feeling completely comfortable

I was not going to support this Then I was going to support it It is a resolution It is not a policy ” Board member Cathleen Morgan said “I am not happy that it has come to this That we are even talking about putting people in our schools with guns I think that is all wrong I think the focus is wrong I think the focus needs to be on all the preventative strategies in respect to staff training student training hardening and having appropriate software in schools I have not liked this program since the very beginning I am very uncomfortable with moving forward with this resolution ”

The community should be part of the conversation about the Guardian Program officials agreed We have to make sure we are listening to what our constituents have to say and what our community has to say ” Board member Debbie Jordan said

Board member Jada Langford-Fleming told those in attendance that they listen during public comment She said whether they agree, or disagree to share their comments and email them with any concerns

Board member Melisa Giovannelli said she does not think they can put a price on safety and keeping students safe She agreed that more conversations have to be had with the community, as safety is paramount

Others fully supported the program as it provides another layer of protection

My other job is a father of three young children in this district It s a constant fear to keep my kids safe and everyone else s kids safe I fully support the Guardian Program, Board member Sam Fisher said

Chairman Armor Persons also fully supports the program

He said not having a force multiplier to backup the sheriff is similar to not having a defibrillator when someone has a heart attack

“Minutes count A lot of kids can be hurt very quickly They might be able to contain the shooter until the reinforcements arrive and that could be huge, Persons said I am in support of this program