Confusion over SROs to be discussed at Monday’s special council meeting

Many parents in Fort Myers are wondering who will be protecting their kids at school. At Monday’s special Fort Myers City Council meeting, council members hope to answer that question.

Gywnetta Gittens is a board member for the School District of Lee County. “As we’re getting ready for a new school year. There’s always changes and adjustments before the school year begins and I’m sure this is just one of those things,” Gittens said.

Unfortunately for parents, council members and law enforcement there have been conflicting answers posed to this question of who will be filling the role of school resource officer.

On Thursday, WINK News told viewers that Lee County Schools received a message that Lee County Sheriff’s deputies will be taking over all SRO roles for Fort Myers’ schools and replacing Fort Myers Police.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno received that same message and began making the proper arrangements. “We’re going to redirect resources properly as we always do,” said Marceno.

Fort Myers City Councilmember Fred Burson says that the council has sole responsibility regarding all policy decisions. He adds that Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs does not have the authority to make such decisions.

WINK News then reached out to the Fort Myers Police Department and a spokesperson for the department said that FMPD has not removed any SROs from the city’s schools.

FMPD says it is glad to participate in Monday’s special meeting and believes this miscommunication can be resolved.

Whether it will be LCSO deputies or FMPD officers, protecting the district’s students is the top priority.

“And the most important thing which is paramount to us is that our children are going to be safe when they go to school,” said Sheriff Marceno.

The special meeting will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 26. WINK News will update you on what goes on at that meeting.