Schools

Christie Opposed to Armed Officers in Schools

Bridgewater-Raritan, Township Council debating cost of second cop at high school.

By Mike Deak

The Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education, prompted by the December shooting at a Connecticut school, has proposed funding a second armed school resource officer to be stationed at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.

Superintendent of Schools Michael Schlider said the concept of placing a police officer at the sprawling campus on Garretson Road has been endorsed by the police chief and the mayor.     

However, on Wednesday, opposition arose to the idea of having an armed police officer in any school when Gov. Chris Christie weighed in on the issue on a radio talk show.

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Responding to a question about the Westfield Board of Education voting last week to approve a resource officer, the governor characteristically did not mince words.

"I don't think that we need to have armed police officers in schools," Christie said, "and I don't think it's a great atmosphere for children to see an armed person walking around the school."

Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Christie said while it is up to each district to make its own decision, and he would not bar any school district or municipality from placing a law enforcement officer inside a school, the former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey doesn't believe it's warranted.

"If you're asking me as a former law enforcement guy if I think it's necessary, no, I do not think it's necessary," he said.

Schilder was away from the office on Thursday and Friday and was unable to comment on Christie’s remarks.

In Westfield, the town and school district have agreed to split the $100,000 costs of the officer.

However, in Bridgewater-Raritan, the school district has also agreed to pay the full annual salary of the salary, plus pension contributions and benefits.

The only sticking point is the amount. The school district has proposed $88,200 while the township council countered with a $125,000 request. That difference could be resolved at Monday’s Council meeting.

With additional reporting by Elizabeth Alterman.


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