SARASOTA, Fla. -- “Mixed message.”
That’s what Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight told county commissioners on Wednesday about the lack of communication by county schools Superintendent Todd Bowden.
“Every time I hang up the telephone with this superintendent, the messages that go to the community and school board is different," said Knight.
The school year is two months away and Sarasota’s plans for added school security still have many in the community -- from the sheriff to county commissioners -- confused.
“Every time I hang up the telephone with this superintendent, the messages that go to the community and school board is different,” said Knight.
During his budget presentation to county commissioners, Knight said he continues to get mixed messages from the school district about how and if they’ll be ready by Aug. 13 with their own internal police department and if they’ll need help from local agencies.
To save money, the district offered the sheriff a contract Tuesday night saying it’ll pay more for school resource officers an 80/20 split for SROs in middle and high school. But the school district asked the sheriff to remove two deputies, including one from Riverview High School, one of the district’s largest schools.
It's the same school the district asked the sheriff to add two more deputies for a total of four after the Parkland shooting in February.
“I will not sign a contract in any regards in any capacity removing any deputies from these schools. That is ridiculous to think that with a school that size like Riverview High School. Parents should be upset and call their school district,” said Knight.
The sheriff offered the school district four deputies to cover any county elementary school that does not have one of the district’s new police officers.
The sheriff and school board will meet June 28.
The superintendent met with Sarasota Police today to work out a deal and will be meeting with North Port next week.
The school district said it has worked out a contract with the City of Venice.
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