WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. -- Madison County is accepting applications from retired police officers for School Patrol Officer positions for every school building in the County.

On Tuesday, County leaders officially announced they're helping foot the bill.

The total cost of a School Patrol Officer is $37,000 per year.

The County will pay $18,000, and the remaining $19,000 is up to the school district.

An armed officer has been offered countywide to be placed in buildings for grades K-12.

It's a move the Madison County Sheriff has been pushing for.

"We're at the beginning stages of the agreement with the school districts and the main thing is keeping the kids safe in our schools. And everything else past that is a secondary benefit to keeping the kids safe," said Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood.

Chittenango, DeRuyter, Madison, Brookfield, Morrisville-Eaton, and Oneida City School Districts have all expressed interest in the program.

Those interested in the positions can visit the Madison County website to apply.