Photo: CBS 12
The Martin County Sheriff's Office wants the school district to pay more so it can fund its School Resource Officer Program.
Sheriff John Budensiek took to Facebook yesterday to say the school district is "exploring less expensive, non-law enforcement options for school security."
He says that would present safety and school operational challenges.
The sheriff's office wants a new $5.35 million contract, which is a 63 percent increase from their current program cost.
The contract between the district and the Sheriff's Office is set to end on June 30th.
Budensiek says the sheriff's office is asking the school district to pay less than one percent of the school district's annual budget.
There are currently 30 deputies assigned to the school resource officer unit which covers middle, high and alternative schools.
Under state law passed after the Parkland school shooting, Florida's public schools are required to have at least one armed "safe-school officer," which can be a member of law enforcement or other trained personnel.