Levelland ISD Discusses Allowing Teachers to Carry Guns
By: Michaela MacDonald
Updated: February 7, 2013
Levelland ISD met for the second time discussing a policy that would allow teachers with concealed hand gun licenses to bring their guns to school.
Last week they handed out this confidential survey. Some teachers say they are already working on getting their licenses, others say they didn't become teachers to carry guns.
"With all of these shootings that have occurred, that has changed the culture of our school environment, that is why we are having to do this now," said Levelland's Interim Superintendent Kelly Baggett.
Baggett has pulled together a special committee of parents, teachers, and community members to decide whether or not to allow teachers to carry guns in school.
"I wanted to hear what they are thinking and what their opinions are. Its important for me to hear from them and if they don't want to carry that is their right," said Baggett.
For this meeting Baggett asked Anthony Wilson, a teacher and firearms instructor, to provide more information on CHLs.
"I'm just trying to shed light and address some of the myths and misconceptions that exist concerning firearms use and the concealed carry laws," said Wilson.
Wilson says allowing teachers to carry guns could save lives.
"My personal stance on that is that the teacher in the classroom where the shooting starts is the one who matters the most at that point, if that teacher has the ability to stop that threat at that point that it starts then we have reduced the overall impact of that shooting event," said Wilson.
Baggett says opinions on this issue are split. He says he is considering adding more school police officers, but that would be costly.
"We are looking at probably $360,000 if we hired 6 additional resource officers. Now conversely you look at what a CHL costs which you know the training can be up $100 but trainers now are cutting educators and professors in college tremendous deals, $10," said Baggett.
Baggett says he wants to give the committee time to process all the information so he is planning on holding another meeting after spring break, most likely on the 21st.
He says surprisingly he has not heard a lot from the community on this issue, but he would like to welcome all members of the community to tell them how they feel.
Last week they handed out this confidential survey. Some teachers say they are already working on getting their licenses, others say they didn't become teachers to carry guns.
"With all of these shootings that have occurred, that has changed the culture of our school environment, that is why we are having to do this now," said Levelland's Interim Superintendent Kelly Baggett.
Baggett has pulled together a special committee of parents, teachers, and community members to decide whether or not to allow teachers to carry guns in school.
"I wanted to hear what they are thinking and what their opinions are. Its important for me to hear from them and if they don't want to carry that is their right," said Baggett.
For this meeting Baggett asked Anthony Wilson, a teacher and firearms instructor, to provide more information on CHLs.
"I'm just trying to shed light and address some of the myths and misconceptions that exist concerning firearms use and the concealed carry laws," said Wilson.
Wilson says allowing teachers to carry guns could save lives.
"My personal stance on that is that the teacher in the classroom where the shooting starts is the one who matters the most at that point, if that teacher has the ability to stop that threat at that point that it starts then we have reduced the overall impact of that shooting event," said Wilson.
Baggett says opinions on this issue are split. He says he is considering adding more school police officers, but that would be costly.
"We are looking at probably $360,000 if we hired 6 additional resource officers. Now conversely you look at what a CHL costs which you know the training can be up $100 but trainers now are cutting educators and professors in college tremendous deals, $10," said Baggett.
Baggett says he wants to give the committee time to process all the information so he is planning on holding another meeting after spring break, most likely on the 21st.
He says surprisingly he has not heard a lot from the community on this issue, but he would like to welcome all members of the community to tell them how they feel.
