Schools show interest in Texas policy allowing teachers to carry guns
(CNN/KAUZ) – Harrold ISD is once again in the spotlight.
In 2007 the district made a decision so controversial it made worldwide headlines. Teachers would be allowed to carry a gun to school. In the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy, T.V. station KAUZ visited with Superintendent David Thweatt.
According to KAUZ, school districts across the nation are now looking at Harrold ISD and what they see is, for some, what they want.
He believes teachers armed with a gun will prevent a school shooting.
“My mantra has been this, as school personnel, with school children here, we are our first responders,” said Superintendent David Thweatt.“My goal is that if someone comes in and tries to hurt my little ones, that they are killed,” he said.
In 2007 the district adopted a policy called the “Guardian Plan.” It essentially allows teachers who have a concealed handgun license to carry a gun with them to school.
In the five years it’s been in place, Superintendent Thweatt said there have been no incidents at the school. He attributes that to the extra security measures they’ve taken.
“It’s like seeing a clock in the room it’s not even in your mind you just know that it’s there,” said Junior Harrison Thweatt, David Thweatt’s son.
“I like it because it kind of makes me feel safer, because it’s Harrold and we don’t have a police station here,” Junior Madison Templeton said.
That was the main purpose for the Guardian Plan: The nearest law enforcement agency was 30 minutes away. Should a shooter come to school, who would be left alive?
“We need to be here to protect our children not four, five, six minutes from now we need to protect them now with an active shooter,” Superintendent Thweatt said.
Father of two Michael Hopkins agrees.
“I don’t have any issues with it at all,” Hopkins said. “If one of those guys gets to the school and he’s met with armed resistance he don’t get to the classroom.”
There are 103 students walking the hallways of the Harrold school everyday. Superintendent Thweatt said it’s his job to protect his students and teachers the best he can.
“My call to the parents at the end of the day is your child is coming home,” Superintendent Thweatt said. “The bad guy, he’s dead.”
Superintendent Thweatt said Harrold ISD was the first in the nation to allow teachers to carry guns. Since then he’s spoken with districts across the state about his Guardian Plan.
Teachers who carry must also undergo extra training and can only use frangible bullets that prevent ricochet.
http://kdvr.com/2012/12/18/texas-school-allows-teachers-to-carry-guns/
Thinking back on my schooldays, I can think of at least a few teachers I wouldn't let nowhere near cutlery, nevermind a gun.