SOUTH HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- Armed guards will be stationed outside all school buildings in South Huntington, officials announced Thursday.
In a unanimous vote Wednesday night, the South Huntington school board voted to add the armed guards at the exterior of all school buildings, the district said in a news release.
In a statement, Nicholas Ciappetta, the president of the South Huntington Board of Education, said the vote to contract for armed security is “another measure to protect our cherished students and beloved staff.”
“Safety is of paramount importance to South Huntington and the Board will leave no stone unturned to ensure that its students and staff can focus on learning without fear of a tragic school shooting,” Ciappetta said.
The armed guards will not be stationed inside school buildings during the school day, officials said. They’ll only enter a building in the event of an emergency, such as an armed threat.
The guards will report to the newly appointed director of security.
“While we understand the gravity and importance of this decision,” South Huntington Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia said, “please know that this was not made lightly and our main goal as a district and Board of Education is to ensure the safety and security of all.”
Armed security guards are one of several measures the district has taken over the past year to improve security in schools.
The district has also been adding security vestibules at all buildings and increasing the number of surveillance cameras.
Related
Related
Related
