Updated

A school board in New Jersey has taken an initial step toward allowing a principal, who is a retired police officer, to carry a handgun in school.

Raymond Rotella would be among the first school administrators in the state to have permission if the Passaic Valley Regional School Board gives final approval next month.

Rotella served 25 years with the Little Falls Police Department before he became principal of the high school three years ago.

The Record newspaper reports only one person spoke against the policy before Tuesday's 8-0 vote.

Rotella has said he would become an integral part of the school's security plan under the gun policy.

The school district took action in the wake of the Connecticut school killings.