Security guards at schools in Emporia, Kansas will be able to carry guns starting Feb. 1.

The Emporia school district’s board of education voted Wednesday to allow the security guards to carry guns while on duty at the schools.

Currently, all school employees are banned from carrying guns.

Superintendent Theresa Davidson said the change will move the district closer to a comprehensive plan for making all students and staff safe.

The board also changed the job description for security officers. Officers will be required to have some law enforcement experience, be certified with a 70 percent target practice accuracy, get 20 hours of law enforcement training every year and follow legal “use of force” protocols.