Suffolk School District Votes To Add Armed Guards Outside Buildings

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — Armed guards will patrol outside South Huntington schools in response to nationwide gun violence at schools, the district announced Thursday.

Armed guards are set to begin monitoring the district’s school buildings by the end of January after the board of education voted unanimously.

“The Board of Education's vote to contract for armed security is another measure to protect our cherished students and beloved staff," South Huntington Board of Education President Nicholas Ciappetta said via news release. "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."

Armed security will not be stationed inside buildings during school hours, according to the district. Guards will patrol outside the buildings and only enter during an emergency, such as an armed threat, the district said. The armed guards will report directly to the district's director of security.

"While we understand the gravity and importance of this decision, 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," South Huntington Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia said. "Given the recent events that have plagued our nation with regards to gun violence in schools, we felt this added measure was a necessary step."

South Huntington recently added security vestibules at all buildings, hired a director of security, increased security surveillance cameras and is planning a security booth at Walt Whitman High School.