Marion County Public Schools now allowing K-9 units to search elementary students
WCJB | By September 29, 2025
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) – A 9-year-old student was arrested for bringing a loaded gun onto a bus headed to College Park Elementary School on September 8th.
In response, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods called out the Marion County School District for not allowing their K-9 unit to search elementary students.
“Are we truly doing everything we can to protect our most vulnerable? There is no reason or justification to not do it,” said Woods.
Now the district is changing policy.
Spokesperson Kevin Christian told TV20 they’re using the same process they use for middle and high school students.
“Our own students’ eyes and ears are the most effective means we have. Typically, when these kinds of things are brought onto campus, students tend to show them or talk about them,” said Christian.
A statement from the sheriff’s office spokesperson says in part, “Our hope is that these teams never find a firearm because of the deterring factor these skilled canine teams bring,” end quote.
TV20 asked one parent who is preparing to register his daughter for the next school year how this made him feel.
“I think that’s a great start. I think they should go even further because this is something big, like children’s lives,” said Pedro De Lucca.
De Lucca says seeing what’s been happening in schools made him consider homeschooling his children.
“But I also know that it’s important to have my daughter to socialize with other students. Have her interact with other students, that’s something important for her growth,” said De Lucca.
MCPS officials say by late October, law enforcement could have the green light to conduct random administrative searches if needed.
