LABELLE- Hendry School Board members approved the new personnel allocation request of two elementary and safety security officers at their May 20 meeting.

The item on the May 20 agenda called for adding two more guardians to Hendry County elementary schools. The new safety officers would not be replacing the SRO’s on school grounds, but rather working in conjunction with them.

“We have a strong relationship with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office,” said superintendent Michael Swindle. “This is an additional layer that we are adding to provide more safety and security for our students. We’re not supplementing or reducing in any way.”

The money for the two positions are set to be drawn from the Safe Schools funds provided by the state. The base salary for the position is $43,200.

The school board received a short update on the progress of the new LaBelle High School.

According to the current designs, the drop-off area at the new high school has room for 150 cars, and the parking lot for students has 400 parking spots. 

The school will feature tennis courts, volleyball courts, baseball and softball fields, and a football field. The school will be two stories and have a 400-plus seat auditorium. The drama, band, and art rooms will be located near the auditorium. 

Superintendent Swindle reported to school board members that the district may hold a ground breaking for the new LHS later this year around when school starts or shortly thereafter.