Starting next month, the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office will begin patrolling some public schools in the area.

The Palm Beach County School District approved a new $1 million contract with the Sheriff’s office on Wednesday night.

According to the reports, the contract is meant to address the on going employee shortage within the Palm Beach County School District Police department, so that they can continue to provide public safety at local schools.

The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office will now cover about 20 of the vacant positions at schools on as-needed basis.

Superintendent Mike Burke says the contract with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office is a short-term and temporary fix to the ongoing staffing shortage.

While some parents say they are grateful for the temporary fix, they are looking for a more long-term solution.

Some board members even suggested a permanent merger with the police department.

A spokesperson for PBSO reported, however, that she was not aware of any formal talks about a merger.