Starting January 2nd, an armed police officer will stand guard at each of Marlboro's five elementary schools, the learning center, and the two middle schools.

Marlboro Middle School
Marlboro Middle School (GreatRealtyUSA.com)
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The township Board of Education met with police and district officials Tuesday to approve  a three-month protection plan, placing Marlboro policemen in the schools from the beginning of each school day until dismissal.

The plan is a direct response to the tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday, which left 27 dead, including 20 students.

Marlboro Schools Superintendent Dr. David Abbott released a statement Thursday informing the community that police officers will challenge each person entering the schools from the time the buses arrive until the students leave.

"The protocols for these policemen are being written during the winter break with key input provided by police and school district administrators," says Abbott.   "Furthermore, the Board of Education has approved the immediate installation of a monitor for use by the assigned police officer in each school that will continually project digital images of both interior and exterior spaces critical to maintaining the safety and security of the school."

According to reports, the school district will pay in excess of $105,000 for the eight police officers for the three-month period.

In Newark Friday, Governor Christie said posting armed guards outside classrooms won’t make classrooms safer or encourage learning.  The NRA proposal that armed police be stationed in every American school was not mentioned as a factor in the township’s decision.

The Patch of Marlboro-Colts Necks reports that as of now, township schools have two school resource officers.  One officer floats among elementary schools and one around the two middle schools. Volunteer PTO members are also stationed at front doors to check visitors in.

After hearing reports from Newtown, Connecticut that the gunman broke a large glass window to get into the schools,  Marlboro police and the board  are reportedly looking into shatterproof glass for the school and are considering hiring a third party vendor to conduct a district security assessment.

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