Lakeview Academy announces hiring of new security officer

GAINESVILLE - Officials at Lakeview Academy have hired a security officer to patrol the grounds during school hours and other school-related events.

According to Head of Schools Dr. John Kennedy, school officials had previously discussed the addition of new security personnel when the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, occured.

Spurred into action by the tragedy, officals began seeking new personnel who could provide additional security not only during the school's operating hours, but at school-sactioned events as well.

Kennedy said he received a recommendation for a suitable candidate from Gainesville Police Corporal Joe Britte, who has a child that attends Lakeview. Britte recommended Charles Newman, a recent retiree from Gainesville City Schools.

Kennedy said Newman, who has worked for the Gainesville Police Department in addition to having experience with the Gainesville schools, is a respected member of the community that came highly-recommended. He will patrol the school during normal operating hours as well as provide additional security during other school-related events. He added: "I thought, coming back in the new year, it might be a nice little present for our parents."

Newman is expected to join the Lakeview staff at the end of the month.