Armed Guards To Patrol The Hallways of Marlboro Schools

According to an article posted on the Marlboro-Colts Neck Patch and being touted by Marlboro Mayor Johathan Hornik on his Facebook page, once school resumes after the Christmas holiday there will be armed guards patrolling the hallways of Marlboro schools.

I don't live in Marlboro but if I did, I wouldn't happy about this.

I think it is an over reaction to the  tragic event that took place last Friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. The odds of something like happening to the children of Marlboro is very very slim. They would have a better chance of dying in a car crash or plane accident, being struck by lighting (twice) or winning the lotto than they would dying in school, as a result of a deranged shooter.

 That being said, if this is something that the residents of Marlboro really want and think it is the only way to keep their kids safe and sound while away from home, that's fine and well, that is their choice and I can not disagree with it. But let's be honest, this is an over reaction to the Sandy Hook School shooting.

Who will be paying for all the policemen standing guard in the schools while they should be out patrolling the community? Will new police officers now need to be hired by the township or will the BOE need to hire a private security firm? Schools shouldn't have to be "locked down" with armed guards in order to become secure, they need proper protocol and training of staff who will be able to deal with this type of situation.

And what will it say about the learning environment in the schools? Will children feel intimidated by the armed guards or more secure? Will it lead to better test scores and grades or lower grades due to the fear and anxiety created by the armed police officers in the schools? - It's just something to think about.

If this what Marlboro feels is necessary to protect its children than so be it. I disagree and would be against it if Middletown tried to implement the same. I would rather spend my tax dollars in the classroom, on learning rather than on armed guards patrolling the hallways waiting for an event that may never, ever happen.