Armed Teachers: One Small West Texas District Now Allows Them
By: Matthew Farrell
Updated: February 18, 2013
CHRISTOVAL, TX -- On the banks of the South Concho River is the tiny community of Christoval, home of just over 500 people.
Despite their size, the Christoval ISD board recently locked in their place in the history books by becoming one of the few places in the United States, and the first in West Texas, to allow school employees to carry handguns in school.
Superintendent David Walker told us that security has been a talking point since a master facilities plan was discussed in 2011, but the Sandy Hook shooting made things even more important.
"Over the summer, and of course right before christmas [2012], we had some high profile shootings that added to that conversation regarding safety," Walker told Big 2.
Walker said the school district discussed other items, including Marshalls on campus, but with recent employee acquisitions and a loss of $600,000 in state funding, the school district didn't have enough room in the budget.
"I don't have any capacity in my budget to have armed personnel, so the question then was: Well, what can we do?" Walker continued.
They had to do something.
The nearest law enforcement is 20 minutes away in San Angelo and since most mass shootings take about 15 minutes, having a timely response is critical.
"Studies show, if a shooter is confronted, they will either surrender or commit suicide," Walker explained.
Following in the footsteps of Harrold ISD ourside Wichita Falls, Christoval instituted the guardian plan: arming teachers, meant more as a deterrant than anything else.
"Most people, from the disgruntled to the semi-mentally ill will see it as a deterrant because they fear pain and death," Walker said.
If someone does try to attack a Christoval school, they'll face several security devices:
-New fences,
Despite their size, the Christoval ISD board recently locked in their place in the history books by becoming one of the few places in the United States, and the first in West Texas, to allow school employees to carry handguns in school.
Superintendent David Walker told us that security has been a talking point since a master facilities plan was discussed in 2011, but the Sandy Hook shooting made things even more important.
"Over the summer, and of course right before christmas [2012], we had some high profile shootings that added to that conversation regarding safety," Walker told Big 2.
Walker said the school district discussed other items, including Marshalls on campus, but with recent employee acquisitions and a loss of $600,000 in state funding, the school district didn't have enough room in the budget.
"I don't have any capacity in my budget to have armed personnel, so the question then was: Well, what can we do?" Walker continued.
They had to do something.
The nearest law enforcement is 20 minutes away in San Angelo and since most mass shootings take about 15 minutes, having a timely response is critical.
"Studies show, if a shooter is confronted, they will either surrender or commit suicide," Walker explained.
Following in the footsteps of Harrold ISD ourside Wichita Falls, Christoval instituted the guardian plan: arming teachers, meant more as a deterrant than anything else.
"Most people, from the disgruntled to the semi-mentally ill will see it as a deterrant because they fear pain and death," Walker said.
If someone does try to attack a Christoval school, they'll face several security devices:
-New fences,
-Controlled access points
-New security cameras
If anyone makes it past that and into a classroom, they'll now face specially trained volunteers carrying guns.
Before the district allows any teacher to carry a weapon, they must pass a course that's tougher than your standard Concealed Handgun License training.
The training features military grade education: focusing on high traffic and hostage situations.
While it might seem extreme to some for teachers to pack heat, Walker says the community has been very supportive.
"It was a thoughtful decision, it is in the best interests of the district, and if it ends up saving one life, it was worth it," Counselor Stacy Jenkins told us.
"I've been here when the situation get's bad. It's a scary place when you know nobody's coming for a long time," Secretary Karen Marth explained about the long wait times.
Walker said he has heard a few concerns from citizens, but most just needed a little more information, but he says there is only so much he can say without compromising the plan and putting kids in danger.
And at the end of the day, keeping the kids in Christoval safe is what the school, and the community, wants.
"I feel more secure now. Knowing that the district has researched this and is competent and knows what they're doing, I feel good about it," parent Theresa Cortez told us.
If anyone makes it past that and into a classroom, they'll now face specially trained volunteers carrying guns.
Before the district allows any teacher to carry a weapon, they must pass a course that's tougher than your standard Concealed Handgun License training.
The training features military grade education: focusing on high traffic and hostage situations.
While it might seem extreme to some for teachers to pack heat, Walker says the community has been very supportive.
"It was a thoughtful decision, it is in the best interests of the district, and if it ends up saving one life, it was worth it," Counselor Stacy Jenkins told us.
"I've been here when the situation get's bad. It's a scary place when you know nobody's coming for a long time," Secretary Karen Marth explained about the long wait times.
Walker said he has heard a few concerns from citizens, but most just needed a little more information, but he says there is only so much he can say without compromising the plan and putting kids in danger.
And at the end of the day, keeping the kids in Christoval safe is what the school, and the community, wants.
"I feel more secure now. Knowing that the district has researched this and is competent and knows what they're doing, I feel good about it," parent Theresa Cortez told us.
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