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Teachers Pack Heat In Texas

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The Associated Press

Published: August 26, 2008

HARROLD, Texas - Along with normal first-day jitters and excitement, students in this tiny district started school Monday wondering which teachers might be toting firearms.

"It was kind of awkward knowing that some teachers were carrying guns," said Adam Lira, 17, a senior. "I don't feel like they should be, 'cause we already have locked doors and cameras. But I didn't feel threatened by it."

Several parents said they were upset that the rural community near the Oklahoma border had not been able to give input.

"As far as I'm concerned, teachers were trained to educate my children - not carry a gun. Even police officers need years of training in hostage situations," said Traci McKay, whose three children are among the 110 students in the red-brick Harrold school. "I don't want my child looking over her shoulder wondering who's carrying a gun."

But Harrold Superintendent David Thweatt said the board approved the policy in an October open meeting that had been publicized. He said the decision was made after nearly two years of researching the best security options at the school, just off a busy highway and 30 minutes away from the sheriff's office.

"When you outlaw guns in a certain area, the only people who follow that are law-abiding citizens, and everybody else ignores it," Thweatt said.

He declined to say how many employees carry guns but said each one first must be approved by the board based on his or her personality and reaction to a crisis. In addition to training required for a state concealed-weapons license, they also must be trained to handle crisis intervention and hostage situations.

Thweatt said the board took extra precautions, such as requiring employees to use bullets that will minimize the risk of ricochet.

"I can lead them from a fire, tornado and toxic spill; we have plans in place for that. I cannot lead them from an active shooter," Thweatt said. "There are people who are going to think this is extreme, but it's easy to defend."

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