NJ parents protest plan to put armed guards in schools

NEW JERSEY (FOX5NY.COM) - Parents of schoolchildren gathered outside the meeting in Bloomfield, New Jersey, to protest a proposal to put armed guards in elementary schools. While the proposal aims to protect their kids, the adults say it will do more harm than good.

The continuing virus of school massacres across the country prompted the Bloomfield school board to propose hiring the armed guards.

Hundreds of parents signed a petition against it. Many of them showed up for the board of education's meeting on Tuesday night. One man said that metal detectors would be more effective.

Parents heard from the director of public safety who explained why he thinks an armed presence in elementary schools isn't just about security.

Bloomfield Superintendent Salvatore Goncalves said no decision is being made now and that he wants to hear from everyone. He said the dialogue has been good so far. He said he and the board just want to keep students and educators safe.

The proposal is to put armed officers in all eight elementary schools at a cost of more than $500,000 per year. Some parents said that money would be better spent in other ways.

If the board elects to go forward with the proposal, Bloomfield elementary schools will see an armed presence beginning in the fall.