News Guns in Texas Classrooms this Fall-

e_andree · Aug 17, 2008

Guns in Texas Classrooms this Fall-

Im all for it.

HARROLD, Texas — A tiny Texas school district may be the first in the nation to allow teachers and staff to pack guns for protection when classes begin later this month, a newspaper reported.

Trustees at the Harrold Independent School District approved a district policy change last October so employees can carry concealed firearms to deter and protect against school shootings, provided the gun-toting teachers follow certain requirements.

In order for teachers and staff to carry a pistol, they must have a Texas license to carry a concealed handgun; must be authorized to carry by the district; must receive training in crisis management and hostile situations and have to use ammunition that is designed to minimize the risk of ricochet in school halls.

Superintendent David Thweatt said the small community is a 30-minute drive from the sheriff's office, leaving students and teachers without protection. He said the district's lone campus sits 500 feet from heavily trafficked U.S. 287, which could make it a target.

"When the federal government started making schools gun-free zones, that's when all of these shootings started. Why would you put it out there that a group of people can't defend themselves? That's like saying 'sic 'em' to a dog," Thweatt said in Friday's online edition of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Thweatt said officials researched the policy and considered other options for about a year before approving the policy change. He said the district also has various other security measures in place to prevent a school shooting.

"The naysayers think (a shooting) won't happen here. If something were to happen here, I'd much rather be calling a parent to tell them that their child is OK because we were able to protect them," Thweatt said.
Texas law outlaws firearms on school campuses "unless pursuant to the written regulations or written authorization of the institution."

It was unclear how many of the 50 or so teachers and staff members will be armed this fall because Thweatt did not disclose that information, to keep it from students or potential attackers.

Wilbarger County Sheriff Larry Lee was out of the office Thursday and did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment, the newspaper said.
Barbara Williams, a spokeswoman for the Texas Association of School Boards, said her organization did not know of another district with such a policy. Ken Trump, a Cleveland-based school security expert who advises districts nationwide, including in Texas, said Harrold is the first district with such a policy.

The 110-student district is 150 miles northwest of Fort Worth on the eastern end of Wilbarger County, near the Oklahoma border.

Ares · Aug 18, 2008

Superintendent David Thweatt said the small community is a 30-minute drive from the sheriff's office, leaving students and teachers without protection. He said the district's lone campus sits 500 feet from heavily trafficked U.S. 287, which could make it a target.

I'm guessing they dont even have a town police station or something. I am all for it but I would add a shitload of target practice for those who would carry it. Maybe make it a requirement to have hours of shooting range practice every month?

DaCubanSkillz · Aug 19, 2008

A local radio station was speaking about this yesterday. The majority of the callers all opposed it. They all said that this can turn into a dangerous situation. What if the students decide to gang up on a teacher and take his gun? What if they decide they need to use it and miss their intended target?

One person that worked for the school district said she is not in favor of having teachers being armed in the school. She would suggest metal detectors first and make better security enhancements.

Some parents said the'd be worried each day if something were to go wrong. After thinking about it, you're asking this to a group of listeners who don't even live in the best parts of MD. Areas where some kids won't think twice about jumping a teacher or anything.

One thing the article did mention is that its not saying WHO has the guns to avoid anything that I mentioned above. But, should a teacher slip and mention it or should they not conceal it correctly, then students know. If the wrong students know, then the word can spread fast which will not be good...if its in a not so great school.

Considering its a small community in TX, I don't think they would have an issue.

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News Guns in Texas Classrooms this Fall-

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News Guns in Texas Classrooms this Fall-

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