Petition to get officers in Stratford elementary schools

STRATFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- After what happened at Sandy Hook there is a push to beef up security at schools across the state. One Stratford woman has started a petition to get police officers stationed at the town's elementary schools.

Just the thought of this horrific day at Sandy Hook Elementary School puts Carol Monte and these other Stratford mothers in panic mode.

"Knowing that there's resource officers in the middle schools and the high schools I just feel like it's extremely important to protect the little ones also, the most innocent ones," said Monte.

Monte, a parent of a two children at Chapel Street Elementary is on a mission to make this happen. 

"Are you not satisfied with the police officers right now just patrolling and sometimes visiting the elementary schools," asked News 8's Erin Logan.

"I'm not. I'm not satisfied with it at all. I feel there needs to be a constant police presence there all day long," said Monte.

Monte crafted this petition days after Sandy Hook. It's asking the Mayor and the Board of Education to get one police officer inside all eight of Stratford's public elementary schools.

She says she's tried to get the word out about the petition but is getting frustrated.

"You call the Board of Ed. and they tell you to call the Mayor's Office so it's like getting the runaround," said Monte.

The interim superintendent would not do an on camera interview about the petition, but she says they're looking at all options. In fact, the Mayor has formed a task force working with the Board of Education.

News 8 told that task force was formed in December.  The Interim Superintendent and the Mayor's office say school safety issues deserve a thorough analysis. The Mayor is also looking forward to seeing what the legislative and Governor's task force recommend.

In the meantime, Monte will get the word out. So will some of her new friends who's she's met since she started her mission.

"Oh I think it's great, really. I think she's doing a great job about this and we're really struggling to at least get the word out and inform people about this petition," said Camelia Micu.

Below is a letter written by Carol Monte:

Dear Stratford parents,

"After the Newtown tragedy, I have started a petition asking the Stratford Mayor and the Board of Education to consider placing police officers in Stratford Elementary Schools. The Middle Schools and the High Schools already have officers, but not the elementary schools.

Will you take 30 seconds to sign it right now? Here's the link.

Here's why it's important:

The tragic incident that took place in Sandy Hook is an unfortunate reminder that even our youngest children are not safe at school. Although this does not guarantee their safety, it is a necessary step in deterring and possibly preventing such a tragedy in the future. To turn a blind eye or to say " it won't happen again" is irresponsible and places our children at risk. We believe that our children deserve to be protected. Having a police officer in every school along with other safety procedures should be placed in effect immediately.

You can sign my petition by clicking here.

Please also have spouse's sign and pass along to others. I cannot reach everyone. Together we can make a change to protect our most innocent.

Thanks!

Carol Monte