Harrold ISD - They have it right

[Purplehood]

I think these apply [B(ii) and (4)]:

(A) It shall be unlawful for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm that has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone.

(B) Subparagraph (A) does not apply to the possession of a firearm—

(i) on private property not part of school grounds;

(ii) if the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located or a political subdivision of the State, and the law of the State or political subdivision requires that, before an individual obtains such a license, the law enforcement authorities of the State or political subdivision verify that the individual is qualified under law to receive the license;

(iii) that is— (I) not loaded; and (II) in a locked container, or a locked firearms rack that is on a motor vehicle;

(iv) by an individual for use in a program approved by a school in the school zone;

(v) by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a school in the school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual;

(vi) by a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity; or

(vii) that is unloaded and is possessed by an individual while traversing school premises for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting, if the entry on school premises is authorized by school authorities.

(3) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), it shall be unlawful for any person, knowingly or with reckless disregard for the safety of another, to discharge or attempt to discharge a firearm that has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce at a place that the person knows is a school zone. (B) Subparagraph (A) does not apply to the discharge of a firearm—

(i) on private property not part of school grounds;

(ii) as part of a program approved by a school in the school zone, by an individual who is participating in the program;

(iii) by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a school in a school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual; or

(iv) by a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity.

(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preempting or preventing a State or local government from enacting a statute establishing gun free school zones as provided in this subsection.

I read this as if you have a CHL issued by a state that screens you prior to issue you can carry. However, this can be limited on a local level to restrict that same right.

[wgoforth]

Thank you. I felt this was the case. I have been asked to speak to a school board about allowing teachers to carry in class. Any suggestions on apossible presentation would be appreciated.

[KC5AV]

§ 46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) A person commits
an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly
possesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or
prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05(a):
(1) on the physical premises of a school or
educational institution, any grounds or building on which an
activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being
conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or
educational institution, whether the school or educational
institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written
regulations or written authorization of the institution;

Written permission is all it has ever taken.

[wgoforth]

§ 46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) A person commits
an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly
possesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or
prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05(a):
(1) on the physical premises of a school or
educational institution, any grounds or building on which an
activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being
conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or
educational institution, whether the school or educational
institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written
regulations or written authorization of the institution;

Written permission is all it has ever taken.

Apparently some superintendent is claiming that AG Abbot has said that schools must have special concession by the state. This is why I am seeking clarification. I have even spoken by phone with the principal of the Harrold school and he said they did not go outside of their district.

[Divided Attention]

As a school employee and a parent, I would want it insisted that those carrying carry ON BODY! No purses, no desks! I would also require that they seek additional/further training, maybe as Charles said working with the local PD on training so they are in on and supportive of and AWARE of staff carrying. There have been some interesting conversations at work and most people have the impression that a CHL gives you training for situations such as the recent horror. I had a friend who knows I carry come to me and say I need to be one selected to carry on campus if it comes to that as I am near the front and can come out if there is an issue. I tried to get through to her that would not be the case, but she thinks CHL teaches you to "help the police". I wish you luck, keep us posted.

[Ericstac]

They wouldn't even need a quick draw holster either. It could be buckled down good so those in fear of a kid snatching it would have to worry.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Thank you. I felt this was the case. I have been asked to speak to a school board about allowing teachers to carry in class. Any suggestions on apossible presentation would be appreciated.

You may want to provide them copies of the attached analysis comparing crime statistics of Texas CHL's and the general public for the last two years (see attached). You may want to consider giving them a copy of the article "Do We Really Want Safer Schools" published on http://www.TexasCHLblog.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. (Also attached.) I would emphasize that armed teachers and staff are not first responders, they are the last line of defense standing between their students and a bullet. COPS will still have the job of searching and eliminating mass murders on campus.

Chas.

[68blackbird]

As a school employee and a parent, I would want it insisted that those carrying carry ON BODY! No purses, no desks

Mr. Thweatt(Harrold ISD Supt) was on the radio yesterday, this was one of the stipulations.

Here is their policy.

[HenryV]

We can cite law all day long, but ultimately, it's the decision of the district to allow teachers to carry in the school. I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer on the topic, but I've barked up the same tree for some time. I cited the law, gave examples, provided research for all the reasons an armed teacher would help with overall safety and security, but the answer was still "no." I stopped only because I didn't want the administration to think I was a gun-crazy, possible-threat to the children. Since we're on break now, I'm waiting until we return to bring the subject up again. I'd like to see what my district has planned and if the tragic event in Connecticut made administration rethink their safety in schools.

[MeMelYup]

We can cite law all day long, but ultimately, it's the decision of the district to allow teachers to carry in the school. I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer on the topic, but I've barked up the same tree for some time. I cited the law, gave examples, provided research for all the reasons an armed teacher would help with overall safety and security, but the answer was still "no." I stopped only because I didn't want the administration to think I was a gun-crazy, possible-threat to the children. Since we're on break now, I'm waiting until we return to bring the subject up again. I'd like to see what my district has planned and if the tragic event in Connecticut made administration rethink their safety in schools.

You need a parent that you know, to write the school board. Ask them "Due to what happened at the school in Connecticut what are you doing to insure this cannot happen here?”

[PATHFINDER]

The ISSUE here IS allowing teachers, and staff with CHL's to DEFEND THE LIVES OF CHILDREN entrusted to their care.

This is not subject matter for PHD dissertations, commissions, or the usual bureacratic run-around.

Schedule an emergency meeting of every ISD in Texas ( and throughout the other 49 states ) and GET IT DONE !

Those school board members, superintendents, administrators, classroom teachers, or even - God forbid - parents WHO OBSTRUCT those WHO ARE WILLING to protect our school children WILL STAND MORALLY COMPLICIT with the actual shooter in the event that a tragedy similar to Sandy Hook is repeated under their watch.

We can wring hands and commiserate over the Sandy Hook tragedy , debate gun control measures, and how to deal with the mental health aspect of this issue for whatever period of time we may choose, but it is imperative that IMMEDIATE action be taken to PREVENT SUCH A TRAGEDY being ALLOWED to occur again.

The allowable time for arguing about what is required to protect the lives of our children has expired.

It's time to take the gloves off folks.

[HenryV]

The ISSUE here IS allowing teachers, and staff with CHL's to DEFEND THE LIVES OF CHILDREN entrusted to their care.

This is not subject matter for PHD dissertations, commissions, or the usual bureacratic run-around.

Schedule an emergency meeting of every ISD in Texas ( and throughout the other 49 states ) and GET IT DONE !

Those school board members, superintendents, administrators, classroom teachers, or even - God forbid - parents WHO OBSTRUCT those WHO ARE WILLING to protect our school children WILL STAND MORALLY COMPLICIT with the actual shooter in the event that a tragedy similar to Sandy Hook is repeated under their watch.

We can wring hands and commiserate over the Sandy Hook tragedy , debate gun control measures, and how to deal with the mental health aspect of this issue for whatever period of time we may choose, but it is imperative that IMMEDIATE action be taken to PREVENT SUCH A TRAGEDY being ALLOWED to occur again.

The allowable time for arguing about what is required to protect the lives of our children has expired.

It's time to take the gloves off folks.

I can assure you, after the recent event, every district is thinking about what to do to make our schools safer. I can't speak for other school districts, but I know mine is reevaluating our lockdown procedure and ensuring we practice at least once (I've never experienced a lockdown in all my years working at my district). We had a representative see our superintendent about allowing teachers with CHL's to carry on campus. Since we're all going on break now, I'll have to wait a while for a reply (or when we return to work in January).

[CC Italian]

The ISSUE here IS allowing teachers, and staff with CHL's to DEFEND THE LIVES OF CHILDREN entrusted to their care.

Yes sir, the only other thing I have is a pair of scissors and a really heavy book if anything ever happened. Most districts in my area are beefing up security as a result. Newer better locks, restricted access and they are hiring more LEOs. This is a good start but we all know the next step. Many districts will not take that step imo.

[wgoforth]

As a school employee and a parent, I would want it insisted that those carrying carry ON BODY! No purses, no desks

Mr. Thweatt(Harrold ISD Supt) was on the radio yesterday, this was one of the stipulations.

Here is their policy.

THIS was exactly what I needed! Thanks so much! When I spoke to the Harrold Principal today he told me it was on their website and I couldn't locate it.

[CC Italian]

I've never experienced a lockdown in all my years working at my district

You must be out in the rural areas? I have been through 4 in my 5 years in education. Countless as practice scenarios.