Public discussion Tuesday on arming teachers in Iberia schools

The Iberia R-V School District will hold a public hearing to review a survey that asked questions on security and arming school staff. The meeting will be held Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 201 Pemberton Dr., Iberia, Missouri, according to the district website.

Lyndel Whittle, the district superintendent, said the online survey conducted in February collected 340 responses from families while it was open. The results, according to Whittle, express support for the idea of arming certain teachers and staff.

One question read, “Iberia R-V students and staff would be safer if there were more armed staff members at school.” Responses to that question showed “overwhelming support,” Whittle said.

School personnel could become eligible to carry a firearm on campus by completing the necessary training programs. Someone could get certified through at least two ways: Shield Solutions in West Plains as well as the Student Protection Officer program.

If a teacher were to be trained via Shield Solutions, then they would technically be a contractor of Shield Solutions instead of a certified student protection officer, Whittle said.

For more on teachers arming themselves in the classroom, check out ABC 17’s special report, “Armed in the Classroom.”