The Westport school board approved a plan Monday night to bring armed school resource officers into the district.

Superintendent Colleen Palmer first proposed the idea in the fall as a way for the officers to build trust with students, mentor them and serve as the first line of defense against a school shooter. The plan gained more support following the shooting in Parkland, Florida and a recent threat at Staples High School, but was still met with some opposition.

Residents who attended the meeting voiced their opinions to the board. Some residents said putting guns in the right hands may stop further tragedies, while others felt having an extra gun is never the answer.

The specifics of the plan have not yet been worked out. The number of officers and where they will be assigned still needs to be decided.