Arming Teachers: Calif. School District Becomes Latest to Adopt Policy

Community members said they were surprised by the decision.

April 12, 2016 CS Staff

A school district in California will begin allowing teachers to carry guns on campus after a school board decision April 11.

The Kingsburg Joint Union High School District will allow the superintendent to select up to five employees to carry a firearm on school property to improve school security, reports the Fresno Bee.

Employees will be selected based on their disciplinary record, previous evaluations and conduct. They will also be required to complete training and hold concealed carry permits.

Armed employees will carry their weapons in a holster worn inside their pants, around the chest, on the front hip, at the ankle or behind their back.

The district worked with Kingsburg Police Chief Neil Dadian to craft a policy aimed at maximizing safety. Chief Dadian said the policy will help protect students in the event of a school shooting.

Still, the decision came as a surprise to many, with some community members expressing concerns about gun safety and student anxiety over the policy.

District officials stressed that the decision was not a response to any particular incident. The policy is effective immediately, although it’s not known how long employee training will take.

The district includes three high schools that collectively enroll 1,222 students. Kingsburg High, which is the largest school in the district, is an open campus that does not have a police officer stationed at the school.

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