NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Now that Governor Bill Lee has signed HB1202 into law, the focus switches to Tennessee school districts and how they plan to handle the new classroom reality.
The state of Tennessee will now allow the arming of teachers as a deterrent to future campus shootings. The reaction from Nashville activists was swift and emotional, but how this will play out on school campuses remains to be seen.
METRO NASHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
The Metro Nashville Public Schools system came right out and said there are no plans to change anything if the new law is enacted.
“We have a strong relationship with the Metro Nashville Police Department and agree that it is safest for only approved active-duty law enforcement officers to carry weapons on campus,” said MNPS spokesman Sean Braisted. “This has been our consistent practice at MNPS, and we have no intention of changing it.”
WILSON COUNTY SCHOOLS:
When asked if it will allow teachers to carry a concealed weapon on campus, Wilson County Schools spokesperson Bart Barker said discussions will be heard if it is signed into law.
“It will likely be discussed at upcoming school board meetings with the director and board body.”
WILLIAMSON COUNTY SCHOOLS:
Williamson County Schools Superintendent Jason Golden said Friday teachers will not be allowed to carry.
“I’ve had the opportunity to talk with Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Hughes regarding the state’s new law that would allow teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns at school. We have concluded that teachers and staff carrying handguns will not improve school safety on WCS campuses, so I will not authorize teachers or staff being armed at WCS schools.
The Sheriff’s School Resource Officers who are assigned to every WCS school are trained professionals and are a vital part of our comprehensive school safety plans. We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.”
FRANKLIN SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT:
Director of Schools Dr. David Snowden shared this message with FSSD families:
“We wanted to share some important information with you regarding the recent gun carry legislation passed on Tuesday, April 23, by the Tennessee General Assembly. We will await the Governor’s final decision on the legislation, but in the meantime, the school board and I do not see any scenario where this initiative would enhance our already robust safety and security measures. Additionally, we believe the risks associated with this legislation outweigh any perceived benefit for our schools.
In the Franklin Special School District, we prioritize school safety and have spent many years cultivating a strong partnership with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and the Franklin Police Department. In addition to the excellent oversight of our School Resource Officers (SROs), who are trained professionals and play a vital role in keeping our schools safe, we work closely with all of the first responders who would respond to any school event. We have a strong safety program, commended by officials in law enforcement and security systems alike. While we don’t disclose all the details of our safety program to the public — because such information is sensitive and could be misused — we have significantly invested resources to help provide and maintain safe and secure learning environments for our students, faculty/staff and visitors.
We will continue to monitor the developments of this legislation, but we wanted you to know the school district’s stance on the matter.
Thank you for your understanding and support.”
RUTHERFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS:
After initially taking a “wait and see” approach to the potential new law, school representatives in Rutherford County announced to their employees and parents that they already have enough safety measures in place, and have no need for arming teachers at this time.
“At this time, we do not see the need for this initiative in our schools,” asserted James Evans, chief communications officer for the school district. “Rutherford County Schools already has an extensive School Resource Officer program, which includes at least one trained, armed deputy in all schools. We also have a robust safety program, which includes training for all employees and a number of other safety and security measures.”
CLARKSVILLE-MONTGOMERY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM:
In Montgomery County, the plan is to continue to work with local law enforcement as armed school resource officers are already in place on their campuses.
“In CMCSS, we have a strong partnership with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), and other law enforcement agencies, and have armed MCSO SROs in all our schools, with more than one in our larger schools, who provide guidance, support, and security.”
The chief communications officer for the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, Anthony Johnson, said they understand the emotions behind the bill but nothing will change until they discuss with the MCSO and other agencies.
“We understand the uncertainty in the community around this bill and the mixed emotions of support and concern from families,” Johnson said. “As with all school safety laws, we will work in concert with MCSO and other law enforcement and emergency management agencies. Until we receive official guidance, we don’t have any comments on the bill or whether it will or will not apply to CMCSS.”
SUMNER COUNTY SCHOOLS
Sumner County Schools (SCS) said they will not arm teachers. The decision came after speaking with Sumner County Sheriff Sonny Weatherford.
“We respect that school districts across Tennessee have very different resources and needs, and we appreciate our state leaders recognizing those needs and giving districts the option to address them,” SCS said in a Facebook post.
SCS said they are fortunate to have a partnership with the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.
ROBERTSON COUNTY SCHOOLS
Robertson County Schools said it will not be arming its educators at this time. Full statement below:
HB1202 passed the Tennessee House on Tuesday by a vote of 68-28, with 2 representatives deciding not to vote. Governor Lee signed the bill into law on Friday, April 26.
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