CATAWISSA, Pa. — In a unanimous vote, members of Southern Columbia's Board of Education accepted a motion to allow Superintendent James Becker to carry a firearm as an armed school security guard.
The amendment adds an extra $300 a month to Becker's current salary to make up for the extra duties and responsibilities.
School Board Vice President Joshua Hoagland told Newswatch 16 that safety in the district is a full team approach and that arming the superintendent is just one of the many ways board members are looking to keep students and staff safe.
Superintendent Becker would be one of three armed personnel allowed on school property, according to members of the Board of Education, a change parents say they are ok with.
"I mean, he is the superintendent, like he would be the one to have it," said BJ Jenkins, Catawissa.
BJ Jenkins says he's comfortable with Becker acting as a third armed guard on school grounds as long as he meets the two 40-hour training requirements like the school's other two police officers are required to do, "It is a small town, small town school anything could happen, but I feel the kids are safe."
"I just want my kids to come home every day after school, so if that's the change they have to make, then they have to change it," said Trisha Jenkins, Catawissa.
Trisha Jenkins hopes the decision will work out in the district's favor, but at the end of the day, all she cares about is that her children are coming home after each day of school, "There's already a security guard there who carries so I don't know why they would need the extra protection, but if you keep the kids safe then that's what they have to do," she said.
According to Board Vice President Hoagland, other school employees may also take on similar roles in the future.
He was not able to confirm if any other school districts in the area are having their superintendents take on the role of an armed guard.