I attended the Knox County School Board meeting tonight. Upon entry to the City County Building there were at least 5 uniformed officers at the metal detectors at the entrance. That was fine it was 5:00 p.m. and I figured a few were getting ready to clock out and go home.

Then once I entered the Main Assembly Room, Knox County Schools Chief of Security Steve Griffin and Knox County Sheriffs Department Court Security Supervisor Don Barnes were both present. As the meeting was getting ready to start two additional armed officers entered the meeting room. So 9 officers guarding a school board meeting. The ratio was like a 1 officer to every four citizens.

So, with all the talks of personnel cuts and budget issues. The School Board can afford 9 armed officers to guard a single one hour meeting?