Iberia School District looks into allowing faculty to carry concealed weapons

The Iberia R-V School District is looking into approving the use of school protection officers.

District board members said they are seeking the views and opinions of community members to guide them in making the decision.

A survey about the issue is available for nearby residents to fill out. It asks if the community feels the schools are safe from armed aggression and intruders and asks if elementary school teachers should serve as school protection officers.

To access the survey, click here.

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.:

Superintendent Lyndel Whittle said the district has already received 260 responses to the survey that went out Friday, Feb. 16.

“We already have been considering this policy. We already surveyed staff and got their input and the board wanted to know more from the community, what they thought of approving the policy that will allow them to arm staff members,” Whittle said.

Whittle said the other option is to consider Shield Solutions in West Plains, which can be for staff or faculty, but becoming a school protection officer would only be an option for certified faculty and administrators.

ABC 17 News asked if the district would immediately implement the changes if the majority of the survey respondents were in favor of it.

Whittle said, “As far as a date and time, we are not looking to rush. It’s a tough decision, nothing to take lightly and we want to make sure we think things through before we do anything.”