Every school in the Carroll school district, which includes much of Southlake, will have armed officers next year.
The Carroll Independent School District put together a task force to study security after the mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school in December. The school board unanimously voted for armed school resource officers in every school.
Southlake police will run the program.
"I am confident whatever comes through a door in Southlake, on the Southlake campuses, these officers will be able to deal with effectively," Chief Steve Mylett said Tuesday night at a City Council meeting.
Funding will come from the city's Crime Control and Prevention District, which oversees a sales tax that is set aside for public safety, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
The officers will work on guidance and mentoring programs, improve student-police relations and teach law enforcement-related topics.
"I think any nervousness parents may have, I am not sure it is going to be significant," Mylett said.
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Middle and high schools already had school resource officers, he said.
School resource officers were introduced at the council meeting.
"In consideration of some of the tragic incidents that have happened in the past, it certainly extends to me a feeling of safety," parent Tom Berutti said.
"I am not sure we are quite to that point yet, but the only reason I can see you might want to do it is for peace of mind," Jean Bybee said.
