MURFREESBORO (AP) — School officials in Murfreesboro say the city's schools need to implement safety measures to protect students now that the state allows guns in parks.

The Daily News Journal reports (http://on.dnj.com/1Fm9NWG ) school board members discussed safety options after members heard a report about the new law last week from the city's attorney.

Schools Director Linda Gilbert suggested the district consider buying signs to be kept on buses and used on field trips to alert the public to nearby children. The new law allows handgun owners with carry permits to have their weapons while at outdoor parks. But firearms are prohibited within an "immediate vicinity" of schools or school-related activities.

Board member Nancy Rainier said even with the signs, allowing firearms in parks leads to a greater risk to student safety.