Newtown Board of Education and Parents: Give Us Armed Protection

The Newtown Board of Education has been analyzing different ways to keep schools safe since the tragedy in December and now, they’re asking for armed protection throughout the school district. More from NBC Connecticut:

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Last night, they decided to ask the town to approve the request to include one additional full-time Newtown police at each of the elementary schools in next year’s budget.

Today, members of the board will be meeting with state and federal officials about obtaining additional funding for security.

“Our parents are demanding of us that things are made safe and secure and certain measures are put in place,” Chairwoman Debbie Leidlein said. “So we’re being very thoughtful.”

Several police officers have been stationed at all Newtown schools since the Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, where 20 children and six staff members were killed.

Those officers will remain at the school through the remainder of the school year, but the budget for the next fiscal year funds only resource officers at the middle and high schools.

Parents said security means more than a police presence.

“My main concern is with accessibility to these school, said Neil Johnson, a parent of two Newtown students. “On December 14th, that was the main bare-boned reason that occurred.”

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Many school districts around the country have gone beyond simply putting armed police in schools and have lifted bans on concealed carry. In wake of Newtown, thousands of teachers have taken advantage of concealed carry training programs offered for free by local gun dealerships, the NRA and firearms safety trainers.

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