Regional Briefing

SCHOOLS

Guard Firm in Financial Trouble

D.C. public schools have established "contingency" plans after a private contractor that helps guard school buildings appeared to be in financial trouble, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Hawk One Security has about 300 guards in schools who work alongside D.C. police officers. D.C. schools spokeswoman Jennifer Calloway said in an e-mail that Hawk One's problems were "not unanticipated" and that the schools had worked with D.C. police "to ensure there is an increased police presence in public schools" while new contractors are found.

The company released a statement saying that it "has had some financial challenges over the last several months due to the lack of timely payments by the D.C. government. As a result, paychecks to a small percentage of employees could not be deposited." The statement said all employees would be paid by Wednesday.

Mafara Hobson, a spokeswoman for Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, said city officials are working to resolve the issue.

-- Michael Birnbaum

DEVELOPMENT

Sligo Golf Course Is Back in Play

The Montgomery County Council gave golfers at Sligo Creek Golf Course in Silver Spring a nine-month reprieve Tuesday, voting to approve a proposal from County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) to spend $150,000 to keep the inside-the-Beltway public golf course open until June 30.

The council also approved plans to set up a task force to seek ideas for the course's future.