The Citrus County School Board voted unanimously on Monday night, March 18, 2024, to begin the deactivation of the school police force. The decision was made during a meeting at the Citrus County School Board Administration Office, located at 1301 W. Woodland St, Inverness, FL 34451.
The move comes as the school district looks to reallocate resources and prioritize other safety measures. According to Superintendent Dr. John J. H. Lee, “This decision allows us to explore alternative safety strategies that will better serve our students and staff.” The deactivation process is expected to be completed by the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
No specific details were provided on what alternative safety measures will be implemented, but the district has mentioned plans to increase the presence of school resource officers and enhance mental health services. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide law enforcement services to the schools.
The decision to deactivate the school police force was met with mixed reactions from the community. Some parents and students expressed concerns about school safety, while others supported the move as a way to reduce costs and improve resource allocation.
- The Citrus County School Board consists of five members: Dr. John J. H. Lee, Superintendent; and School Board Members: Mrs. Samantha S. Burnette, Mr. Gregory T. Brown, Mrs. Patricia A. Goodwin, and Mr. Robert D. Wolff.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
