GREEN COVE SPRINGS — The Clay County School Board will move forward with their decision to reutilize the Clay County Sheriff's Office within its school system.

The Clay County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to implement its Interlocal Agreement with the Clay County School Board at Tuesday’s meeting. 

The agreement will allow for a budget of approximately $6.8 million dollars, for the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, to be allocated to the sheriff’s office to effectively transition and carry out their jobs within the school district. 

The total budget will go towards various purposes including salaries, retirement, benefits, training and education, uniforms and operating expenses. 

The approval comes following last year’s vote by the school board to utilize the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in lieu of the Clay County District Schools Police Department. 

The usage of the resource officers on school campuses dates back to the passing of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act in 2018. 

Following the Parkland school shooting, the act aimed to create a safer environment in Florida schools and made many safety reforms, including requiring the presence of patrol officers on school campuses.

The new agreement and budget will officially take effect on July 1 and remain effective until June 30, 2027. 

According to the agreement, beginning on July 5, the school board is required to pay the county one-sixth of the agreed budget. For every month after, a payment of one-twelfth of the budget is required.

The agreement also states that it can be renewed for additional one year terms after its three year run, unless there is a notice of non-renewal by either side. 

“We are happy that the Interlocal Agreement with the Clay County School Board regarding funding for the school resource officers was approved tonight by the BoCC. Since the decision to return the SRO function was made last Fall, the Clay County Sheriff's Office and the Clay County School District have worked hand in hand to ensure a transparent and smooth transition,” said Sheriff Michelle Cook.

“The Clay County Sheriff's Office is committed to keeping our kids safe and that mission starts July 1. We are ready.”