The future of security in Newtown schools is beginning to take shape. At Thursday night's meeting, the Newtown Board of Education voted to approve a request to the Police Department for armed SROs (school resource officers) for each of the town's elementary schools.

Combined with the eight unarmed security personnel slated into the still-unapproved 2013/2014 budget, that would put two eyes and ears -- one armed, one unarmed -- at each Newtown school as a way to ensure the tragic Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School never happens again. Some parents didn't think the measure went far enough.

"Policemen travel with a partner, and there's a reason for that," said Donna Lorenz. She said she felt comfortable letting her daughter go to a school guarded by two armed officers -- but wouldn't feel comfortable with anything less. Lorenz was one of several Head O' Meadow parents to address the board during the public participation portion of the meeting. Fresh from a highly-attended PTA meeting, many parents suggested a safety-in-numbers approach.

"The only thing that stopped that guy that day was when the two Newtown police burst in the building," said Lorenz. "You all know that."

According to Head O' Meadow PTA President Laura Tierney, parents at the meeting voted unanimously to advocate for an increased budget that would allow for at least two SROs at their school.

"There was just a lot of support -- parents wanting to support and get involved in the budget process. They're definitely behind what you did," she told the board. "Thank you." Although school security personnel would not be armed, board member Richard Gaines assured parents they would be qualified and competent.