New security measures are coming to schools in South Huntington.

The Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday evening to station armed security guards outside of all school buildings. The only time they will be inside is in the event of an emergency.

Over the last few years, the district increased security at its eight buildings and now is spending $750,000 to hire armed security guards.

The board calls the move another measure to protect students and staff.

"We believe in the safety of our students - that's the most important thing," said South Huntington Superintendent Vito D'Elia.

D'Elia says after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, his school security director recommended an armed guard would be a deterrent and cut down on response time from police.

"You are talking about seconds and to have an armed guard on the ground - you can have a fighting chance," D'Elia says. "And I believe everybody in the district is worth it."

Some believe that armed guards are the correct choice, but others are concerned.

"I think there must be a better approach to this," says Tom Seidl.

The district says they will be required to have a law enforcement background and have active shooter training.

Officials say the guards will be coming from a local private security company and will start in the next few weeks.