The Vigo County School Corporation and the Sheriff's Department are planning to put ten "special deputies" in rural middle and elementary schools.
On Monday, Terre Haute Police announced its safety plan for city schools.
Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse along with Mayor Bennett are teaming up, and making it their mission that every child at a school within city limits feels safe.
"Every day is a day at risk in my opinion," said Danny Tanoos, superintendent of the Vigo County School Corporation.
That's why Terre Haute city leaders are coming together, with a safety measure for the 12 Vigo County schools in Terre Haute city limits.
They're proposing that an off-duty officer be present in each and every school building, everyday that it's in session.
"What's so important is to do it right, and I think we are going above and beyond what most school corporations would do to protect their students," said Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett.
It's a plan that would cost $352,000 a year.
THPD will pay half - around $176,000 - out of the seized assets fund, and it will be built into the city budget next year.
The corporation will vote to approve funding the remainder.
"Is there really a price tag on the safety and security of our children? Is there really a price tag on something like this," said Tanoos.
Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse adds: "There has been no active shooter incident at any school in the U.S. that had an armed officer present. And we hope that trend continues if reenact this security measures we would do what I think is best for all the schools in the city."
City and school leaders say this plan might be hard to implement at first, but eventually, it will become second nature.
And with last December's Sandy Hook shooting still fresh in our minds, there's no time like the present to make this a reality.
"That's what we want to be, is proactive not reactive. This is this is a great day and a great opportunity to protect the future of our community," said Mayor Bennett.
Chief Plasse agrees: "The kids' interest and safety is what we have at heart. I think this right now is the best plan we can think of is to ensure all of the kids attending school across Vigo County are safe as they can possibly be."
The program would be open to any officer in the area who wants to take on a shift.
The county-wide program will go before the school board for a vote tonight, and Chief Plasse is also expected to make a presentation.
On Monday, Terre Haute Police announced its safety plan for city schools.
Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse along with Mayor Bennett are teaming up, and making it their mission that every child at a school within city limits feels safe.
"Every day is a day at risk in my opinion," said Danny Tanoos, superintendent of the Vigo County School Corporation.
That's why Terre Haute city leaders are coming together, with a safety measure for the 12 Vigo County schools in Terre Haute city limits.
They're proposing that an off-duty officer be present in each and every school building, everyday that it's in session.
"What's so important is to do it right, and I think we are going above and beyond what most school corporations would do to protect their students," said Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett.
It's a plan that would cost $352,000 a year.
THPD will pay half - around $176,000 - out of the seized assets fund, and it will be built into the city budget next year.
The corporation will vote to approve funding the remainder.
"Is there really a price tag on the safety and security of our children? Is there really a price tag on something like this," said Tanoos.
Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse adds: "There has been no active shooter incident at any school in the U.S. that had an armed officer present. And we hope that trend continues if reenact this security measures we would do what I think is best for all the schools in the city."
City and school leaders say this plan might be hard to implement at first, but eventually, it will become second nature.
And with last December's Sandy Hook shooting still fresh in our minds, there's no time like the present to make this a reality.
"That's what we want to be, is proactive not reactive. This is this is a great day and a great opportunity to protect the future of our community," said Mayor Bennett.
Chief Plasse agrees: "The kids' interest and safety is what we have at heart. I think this right now is the best plan we can think of is to ensure all of the kids attending school across Vigo County are safe as they can possibly be."
The program would be open to any officer in the area who wants to take on a shift.
The county-wide program will go before the school board for a vote tonight, and Chief Plasse is also expected to make a presentation.
