Security Officers to be Present at Lafayette Parish School Board Meetings

A security officer could become a regular presence at Lafayette Parish School Board meetings.

The board’s executive committee recommended that the board president have the authority to request security for all regularly scheduled board meetings rather than on an as-needed basis. The recommendation will go before the full board within the next few weeks, said the Advertiser.

Board and executive committee member Shelton Cobb said he felt it best for a security guard, likely a school resource officer, attend all regular meetings, said the Advertiser.

“I think having security is a good idea,” Cobb said. “I don’t know if we should have options, because you don’t know what’s going to happen at a board meeting.”

Board and executive committee member Tommy Angelle said he envisions the security being in place to ensure order among audience, while also giving the public the proper opportunities to speak on issues, said the Advertiser.

“One of the reasons for this is that some people would blurt out things unrecognized. The chair would ask them to refrain and they kept doing it,” Angelle said. “With this, you would have the option of asking a security guard to remove that person.”