Now enter Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs on the issue of outside law enforcement in the Knox County Schools.

“In this years proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, at the request of the community and Knox County Schools, my office is allocating more than $3 million to find 50 new positions to address students behavioral and mental health issues.”

”To be clear these positions are meant to supplement and support the schools not to replace security – as I believe a law enforcement presence inside schools is an absolute necessity.”

“I am grateful Sheriff Tim Spangler and I share an unyielding commitment to student safety. we want to reassure families that we will work with the school system and the City of Knoxville to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all Knox County students.”