Schools in one mid-state county will soon be safer. Tonight, Williamson county commissioners have approved funding for 32 new School Resource Officers. The officers will be posted in all public elementary schools in Franklin and Williamson County. Leaders hear say the school shooting in Connecticut last month was a "game changer."

While the school day is focused on math, reading, and science, the conversation outside the building is centered on safety.

"I mean everything has changed. It is a new game. It is a new day, and I think everybody sees the importance of this," said Williamson County Sheriff Jeff long,

The Sandy Hook tragedy has put new attention on elementary schools. Monday night, the Williamson County Commission is talking about a security upgrade.

"I am proud to say in Williamson County, that we take care of our own, we are in a position to do that," said commissioner Steve Smith

The board votes to spend $2.5 million to hire 32 new school resource officers for the county and Franklin elementary schools.

"I am very proud how the county commission has responded to this request," added Dr. Mike Looney, Director of Williamson County Schools.

The commission approved the SRO’s by a vote of 23 to 1, many saying it is important to be a leader in school safety.

"I certainly don't think it is a perfect solution, and would not prevent every incident from happening, but hopefully it is a deterrent," noted Smith.

"Outside of teaching and learning, student safety has to be the highest priority," said Dr. Looney.

The sheriff’s department will begin interviewing applicants next month, and after full training, officers could begin showing up in schools by the end of the current school year.

"That officer is going to be there solely for the protection of the staff and the students, spending their full-time working security at that school," said Sherriff Long.

Middle and high schools already have SRO’s and soon elementary schools in Williamson County will too.

"And it is time to put the people in there as they should be,” added Long.

County commissioners are using unappropriated general fund money to pay for these officers. Sheriff long says he already has 100 applicants interested in these 32 jobs.
Williamson County Schools Approve Resource Officers in All Elementary Schools