CHERRY TWP — A simple question solidified the district's commitment Monday to bring armed security guards to its schools next year.

In response to a number of questions at Monday's meeting of Moniteau School Board about updates to the district's security, board member Mike Panza asked a question about the wording of a motion that passed a month ago that formed a committee to deal with hiring armed security guards.

He said in the original motion, the wording for the creation of the committee was to “put into place” and gather information about hiring armed security guards.

Solicitor Andrea Parenti reviewed the motion and confirmed the wording.

“It does say to put in place for the next school year, and it was approved,” Parenti said.

After the meeting, Mike Travis, a parent, said some of the board members didn't realize what they agreed to in the motion.

“I don't think the board pays enough attention to what they're doing,” he said.

Travis said he supports hiring armed guards, and he is happy about the time line of having them next year.

“It'll take a little weight off my shoulders throughout the day,” Travis said.

Shortly after the discussion about the wording in the meeting, the motion's creator, Cecil Blauser, was asked if he would consider changing the motion.

Blauser responded with one word: No.

“That was my intent all along,” Blauser said later. “That's why I worded (the motion) very specifically when I made it.”

Blauser said this is the right step for the district's future.

“I just thought it was the right thing to do,” he said. “You gotta make the school safe.”

Superintendent Sean Arney said the wording was no surprise to the many parents who have continued to come to meetings and support change.

“For these folks, it wasn't a surprise,” he said.

Arney said he would work with the committee to have the security set up in place by August.