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,”

B o a r d M e m b e r C h r i s

P a t r i c c a s a i d l a s t w e e k , fighting tears, adding that word was being spread that 2 1 w e r e d e a d w i t h a n 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 Lee County 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