GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – About 100 people participated in a school safety discussion Saturday morning at Green Bay Preble High School.
Brad Hopp spoke to FOX 11.
“One of the things we discussed today was the communication between parents and schools. One of my concerns was that, I fully understand what the school is doing what they can do to protect my child, but I’d like to know what that plan is,” said Brad Hopp of Green Bay.
“We talked a lot about mental health at our table, early intervention, having more resources, school psychologist and social workers in elementary schools,” said Leah Liebergen of Ashwaubenon.
Days after a school shooting at a High School in Florida, Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith said he thought it would be a good idea to have armed police officers in the Green Bay Schools.
“I think one of the most important parts of this proposal is the deterrence,” Smith said, “Let’s face it, if you’re going to break into a school and shoot little kids, you’re a coward. Cowards are afraid of cops with guns.”
The cost was one of the concerns addressed during the public event. Smith said that it would cost about $2.5 million dollars to do. Smith said that is about 1 percent of the school district’s budget.
That resulted in a mixed response on Saturday.
“With the Chief’s plan, we’re actually actively participating in the protection of those children.”
“Spending $2.5 million on armed guards, I don’t think that’s the best use of the school’s money,” said Liebergen.
The next forum will be held on April 16 at 6 p.m. at Green Bay West High School.
