The Kern High School District Board of Trustees voted 3-2 Thursday to allow staff and teachers to carry concealed weapons.
Non-employees with the superintendents' permission were already allowed to carry them on campus following a prior proposal.
Bear Mountain Sports owner, Gene Thome, said he believes allowing CCW permit holding teachers and staff will make schools safer.
"The way it is right now just leaves them wide-open...they're vulnerable," said Thome.
The Dolores Huerta Foundation led the protest outside the KHSD office just minutes before the board meeting. Opponents were angry that such an important issues would be voted on during school and work hours when most impacted were unable to express their concerns to the board.
"When you do this in the middle of the day, people can't get off work. They can't get here," said former KHSD teacher, Bernita Jenkins.
Thome said he understands those who oppose, but hopes they can get an open mind moving forward.
"I understand those who are absolutely afraid of guns. They don't want to carry, I understand that. But please let the teachers next door have options whether to protect him and his neighbors," added Thome.
Once the board meeting voted in favor, several community members left upset and concerned.
One trustee member said this will require additional training and will be something the board will figure out in the upcoming months.
