COLUMBIANA, Ohio - Columbiana Exempted Village School District is currently looking to hire a second resource officer for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year and beyond.

Superintendent Don Mook tells 21 News that the district is looking to hire a second officer for a multitude of reasons, all of which boil down to the safety of the students.

One key factor Mook is considering is the distance between the school buildings.

"Our buildings are in separate spots in our community and we have railroad tracks between the two, and it's very difficult for one resource officer to handle both aspects," Mook said.

Mook tells 21 News the first resource officer was hired back in 2018, around the time of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida causing nationwide calls for protection in schools.

Now, the district is looking to hire a second officer in response to the recent shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, as well as Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine's recent legislation allowing school staff members to be armed after 24 hours of training.

Mook tells us he believes that rather than arming staff, the district should consider more "heavily trained people" such as peace officers, stating that they are more qualified to keep the buildings safe.

"Our board is dedicated to making sure Columbiana Schools are a safe place to attend," Mook said.

Hiring another officer will add an additional $48,000 to the school's budget. Mook tells us the board has a two-year contract with the city.

Mook tells 21 News Columbiana Police Chief, William Myers is dedicated to ensuring that this resource officer is hired before the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. The district will be involved with the department in the hiring process.

"We've been very happy with the officers who have been working with us for the past couple years, so we're confident the chief will provide us with a qualified officer for the second one," Mook said.