Firearms at school

Following the passage of legislation repealing gun free zones, Sweetwater County School District No. 2 is considering new policies related to firearms and concealed carry.

The SWCSD No. 2 Board of Trustees heard the first reading of "Code CKA: New Policy Firearms Policy (Conceal Carry)" during their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 13. The first reading was approved unanimously by the board, kicking off a three-reading approval process. 

The new policy explains that all school district employees and volunteers who wish to carry firearms on school property must follow certain rules and satisfy certain requirements, including having a valid concealed carry permit and completing training prior to carrying a firearm. The policy specifies that those who wish to concealed carry must complete an initial training course of no less than 16 hours of live fire handgun training as well as eight hours of scenario-based training using nonlethal training, firearms and ammunition. The employee or volunteer must then complete recurrent training of no less than 12 hours each year. 

Requirements and qualifications for instructors who train school district employees and volunteers in firearm safety are also specified in the policy, including having experience or certification, demonstrating firearm safety and skill, and showing familiarity with tactics and scenario-based training. 

The policy also clarifies that no open carrying of firearms is permitted on school property and that students are not permitted to carry firearms, concealed or otherwise. Any student who has a firearm is subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion. The policy also explains that any employee or volunteer who carries a concealed firearm without complying with the guidelines is subject to disciplinary action, including termination. 

"Every employee who carries a concealed firearm pursuant to this rule shall only fire his or her firearm if he or she reasonably perceives that his or her life, or the life or lives of others, are in imminent risk of death or serious bodily injury," the policy states.

"This policy is thorough," Jason Fuss commented.

Fuss, the Human Resource Director and Assistant Superintendent for the district, presented the policy to the board during the meeting.  He explained that the new policy was "developed by the Wyoming School Board Association in cooperation with other school districts and multiple attorney offices" in response to recent legislation. 

The Wyoming legislature passed House Bill 0172, the "Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act," during this year's session. It then passed into law without Governor Mark Gordon's signature, and will go into effect on July 1. The bill repeals gun free zones, including government buildings and meetings, public buildings, and schools, and provides for the carrying of concealed weapons in areas where they were previously prohibited.

The bill does specify that "the board of trustees in each school district may adopt rules and regulations to govern employees and volunteers lawfully carrying concealed weapons," which is what the new policy is for. 

"Our policy only addresses volunteers and employees. It does not address anybody else in our community," Superintendent Craig Barringer noted. 

Fuss confirmed and reiterated this, adding that "if there is zero affiliation outside that definition of staff or volunteer, you can conceal carry without telling a person."

Fuss also noted that the policy provides a detailed description of who qualifies as a volunteer, and that it applies to anyone who helps the school district, even if it's just for one specific activity.

Representative Marlene Brady from Wyoming House District 60 addressed the school board during the public comment portion of the meeting to discuss the new policy. 

"I want to thank you for crafting a policy that attempts to honor the intent of HB0172," she said, adding that she believes the law reflects a commitment to individual rights and safety. "Your policies focused on training and safety measures shows you're taking this responsibility seriously."

Concerning the policy's requirements for training and potential costs this might entail, she told the district that "funding is available," and that state statute allocates funds for staff training related to concealed carry policies, which can be accessed through the Department of Education. 

Brady also asked the district to consider making sure the new policy aligns with the legislation when it comes to storage and carry guidelines. She mentioned the law's requirements that firearms be on-person or in a sealed biometric container or lockbox, noting that she believes biometric containers are safer. 

During discussion on the new policy, Superintendent Barringer noted that the policy addressed concealed carry, which only applies to guns carried on someone's person at all times, so the question of storage in any kind of box was a separate issue. Fuss reaffirmed this and said that they are waiting on more feedback and guidance on those details.

"Those adjustments will be made so that this is in place as a policy this summer, ready to go," Fuss said. 

"It's the same in every district. They're all in debate of how to interpret the legislation and what's best for their district," Board Chair Ashley Castillon said, adding, "We're doing our best."

Fuss noted that anyone with questions or comments on the new firearms and concealed carry policy can reach out to the staff at the central office or to the school board.