Gun debate doesn't sway superintendent

As the gun debates continue raging across the country, Baldwin County School Superintendent Dr. Alan Lee said he stands behind his belief armed security guards should be in every school.

"At the end of the day, the time when it comes down to it, if someone wants to hurt our children, it's going to take a well self-trained officer to stop that, in that event," said Lee.

Lee made the announcement soon after the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre that he believed armed security guards should be in every school.

The Baldwin County Commission wasn't happy with Lee's opinion citing cost as a factor.

Lee has now created an advisory team for school safety made up of current and former law enforcement members

"They have the expertise that I couldn't afford to hire people to bring to us. These gentlemen have years of experience and training in security and safety," said Lee.

There are six members of the advisory team, and each has children in the Baldwin County School System. Lee said he sees the team as a valuable resource, and believes there are others in the county with law enforcement experience who want to help. 

Lee admits guards would be expensive.

"It is a significant cost. But if you think about some of the other venues where we've had safety concerns, airports, courthouses and other (places) now have armed protection for people; and I believe our schools are just as important," Lee said.

The price tag for Lee's proposal is $3.5 million

Lee said he's met with many police chiefs in the county, as well as city representatives, and state representatives. He said he's going to continue to meet with his advisory team as well and wants to make progress before next school year.