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Board discusses public safety annex, training range relocation and potential statewide guardian certification
Summary
The board reviewed a multiagency public safety annex plan on district land, discussed $250,000 in planning funds and potential future state appropriations, and debated seeking statewide certification for school guardians while emphasizing coordination with the sheriff's office.
Board members described ongoing planning for a regional public-safety annex and training campus on district-owned property (WTC). The district reported it has $250,000 available for planning; a board member stated that those funds must be obligated by June 30 and spent by September 30. Participants emphasized partnering with the county, sheriff's office, fire services and EMS to design a phased facility that could include a firing range (phase 1), a multipurpose room for K'12 joint training, and additional space for law-enforcement CTE expansion.
Board members discussed funding models: the county could match planning funds (for example through fire impact fees) and the delegation could pursue a state appropriation (one figure mentioned in discussion was $1.5 million for a regional facility planning appropriation). Staff noted the district's property value could be credited toward a multiagency contribution formula. The board also discussed potential programming benefits: shared space for regional training, expanded CTE opportunities and improved site conditions versus the current training range that floods and sits near a landfill.
Guardian certification: Members debated whether to seek statewide standardization or certification for school guardians (the local "guardian" program originates from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission work). Board members emphasized not undermining the sheriff's local role; several said they would coordinate with Sheriff Vincent and local partners before making any legislative requests. Staff and chiefs present expressed willingness to help draft a standardized curriculum for wider availability if stakeholders agree.
Next steps: staff will continue coordination with county partners, return to the board with a concept/master plan and timeline, and prepare a briefing for the October delegation meeting to express support and provide a project update (no additional appropriation request was planned for this year).
