TAMAQUA — A Pennsylvania school board has become the first in the state to pass a policy allowing teachers and other employees to carry firearms.

The Tamaqua Area School District passed the policy in a unanimous vote last month, receiving pushback from both parents and members of the teachers’ union.

The policy would allow staffers to carry handguns in holsters on their bodies. The staff members would be required to complete firearms training and lethal weapons training.

In a separate vote, the board passed a policy allowing a $2,000 yearly stipend and $250,000 insurance for employees who sign up.