A Texas school district has voted to arm their teachers with guns in an effort to create a safer environment in their schools.
This move makes Weatherford ISD one of the largest districts in Texas to do something like this in response to school security. 170 districts across the state of Texas are already arming some teachers and staff within certain variations.
The district says administrators will create a timeline for the implementation of the concealed carry program but exact details of the Defender Program will not be disclosed to ensure the confidentiality of this safety measure.
The following safety measures have been approved by Weatherford ISD Board of Trustees:
- Staff participation in this program is voluntary
- Individuals will undergo a thorough screening process including a psychological review, fingerprinting, background check, and administrative approval
- There is an extensive training component and annual training requirement
- Individuals selected will remain anonymous
- The Defender Program does not allow any citizen with a License to Carry the right to carry a concealed weapon on Weatherford ISD property
In addition to the concealed carry feature of the Defender Program, this adoption also provides:
- Classroom safes that will contain a safety vest, pepper spray, and a trauma kit.
- Trauma and intruder training for all staff.
- One Board Certified Behavioral Analyst, two Intervention Counselors, and an Intervention Teacher to support students’ social and emotional needs as a preventive measure.
- A School Safety Coordinator who will be specifically focused on safety plans and processes for the District.
- Training for students including safety drills and a “See Something; Say Something” training on situational awareness.
- The implementation of a district-wide character education program.