Expanding the school resource officer program was one of the recommendations made for Saratoga Springs Schools following an assessment conducted by New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal. Those findings were presented at a community safety forum Monday night.

"It's in the forefront of all conversations across the country: How do we ensure a safe learning environment for all students?" said Dr. Michael Patton, Saratoga Springs City School District superintendent.

Patton says the SRO would likely be placed at the middle school through the Saratoga County sheriff's office. In addition, the security assessment also recommended enhancing lockdown procedures and upgrades to the radio communication system.

Some parents and students do not think that is enough.

"My biggest issue is response time," said parent Michelle King.

They are continuing to advocate for rearming grounds monitors, who had their guns removed following a vote by the board of education in October.

"We have taken away the tool that all of the other professional have had in the past," King said. 

A student present agreed. 

"I think that if we can get as many armed people as we can to help out and to go to the schools, I think we need to do it," said Austen Hart. 

But some other parents disagreed, and did not think more guns were necessary. Rather, they say the school should continue focusing on improving mental health services and bullying prevention programs.

"I think that is the most important thing because there's so many lonely people in this country. We have a mental health crisis and I think that's where some of the active shooters are coming from," said parent Charlie Samuels.