CHERRY TWP — More than 50 parents and district residents attended the Moniteau School Board meeting Monday, asking for the district to evaluate and improve security measures.

Moniteau Superintendent Sean Arney, who hosted an open forum with parents and community members last week, said having so many people in attendance was a good sign that the community is motivated to make things better.

“We're trying, so I appreciate this,” Arney said. “This today is phenomenal.”

Bob Rottman, a district parent and a former state police officer, said it would make sense for the district to make some improvements before state or federal legislation mandates upgrades.

“Why not jump on it now before we're told what we have to do,” Rottman said. “It may never happen for the next 100 years here, but it only takes one, and then we'd wish we would have done something.”

He offered the board options, one of which was an armed guard with an emphasis on the person being a retired state police officer.

“They have 25 years of experience,” Rottman said. “They're trained in all the things people are talking about these days.”

Rottman said he would also like to see metal detectors installed.

“We've talked about metal systems in the past, and I think that's a great idea,” Rottman said. “But if you don't have someone there to man those metal detectors, then all you're going to hear is a beeping sound.”

Capt. Reed Campbell, a former chief and current officer for the West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department, said from a responder's standpoint he would appreciate any improvements in the district.

“It goes farther folks than just the school,” Campbell said. “It goes deep down to all of us who are responding.”

Campbell agreed that trained personnel and metal detectors would be the right way to go. He said the result is a safer school and community, and he thinks most parents would be in favor of that.

“Is there anybody who wouldn't give up a couple of steak dinners to pay their share to keep our children safe?” Campbell said. “If there is, bring that person to me, I'd like to talk to them.”

Arney said safety has been on the minds of the district administration since before the school shooting on Feb. 14, in Parkland, Fla.

“We all recognize the need for safety for kids,” he said.

During public comment Rottman asked the school board when action might be taken. Arney said it was still too early to lay out any timeline for security improvements.

“I can't give you an honest answer tonight, and that's just an honest answer,” Arney said.

Arney said he wants to make the right moves, with some coming immediately while others need major planning and community input. He said templates that work for some schools won't work for theirs.

“Your kids know the building. You know the building, so we need your help,” Arney said. “Everything we do here in Moniteau needs to be developed by our community.”

Arney said the school board will continue to gather input in the hopes of moving forward with the community's support.

“We're looking at what we can do short term and long term,” he said. “It's not a conversation that's going to end tonight.”