A year ago, Florida lawmakers decided that one way they could try to protect students from shooters was to arm school personnel, and they doled out millions of dollars to start the school “guardian” program.
So far, the state dollars used for that push have been dominated by expenses for firearm supplies and staff.
The 25 sheriff’s offices participating in the school guardian program have spent nearly $2 million to buy firearm supplies such as ammunition, weapons and gun holsters and at least $3 million to pay for salaries and benefits of employees involved in the training process, according to records obtained by The News Service of Florida.
