Elementary Schools to Get Armed Guards in Western New York

Elementary schools will now have armed guards at the schools in Western New York for the entire day, every school day. At least at all of the Catholic Schools in the area. It is a move that many parents are looking for New York State to act on as well.

Every single one of the elementary schools will have at least one armed guard from Tarian Group, which was formerly known as Vista Security. In addition, the group will be consulting with all school officials on a regular basis on how to maximize efforts.

Who is paying for the armed guards?

How is it being funded? The Foundation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is providing some funds, but in addition tuition is going to be going up next year.

The superintendent of the Diocese of Buffalo wrote a lengthy letter outlining all of the changes and what parents and students can expect.

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

The letter and new initiative is obviously a move that is happening because of what has been going around at schools with shooting in recent events. In the opening paragraph, superintendent Joleen Dimitroff wrote:

“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".

Is this something that you hope would happen to all public schools as well? Would you be more comfortable with kids going to school if there were armed guards at all New York State public schools?