Schools and Education School District and Sheriff Reach Agreement on SRO's

BRADENTON -- Manatee County School District Superintendent Tim McGonegal told school board members this week that the district has come to an agreement with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office that would minimize the impact on schools by funding shortages for school resource officers. The proposed agreement will come before the board for a vote in an upcoming meeting.

McGonegal noted that three east-county middle schools have volunteered to share an SRO; Braden River Middle, Haile Middle, and Nolan Middle. The superintendent said that compromises on summer costs and non-salary and benefit costs will allow the school district to pay for the 10 months of the school year, reigning in costs to last year's levels. Many parents had expressed concerns over the issue, related to school safety.