Board opens public hearing on consolidated concealed-carry rule CKA; comment period runs through Oct. 7

The board opened a public hearing on revisions to rule CKA (concealed-carry rules for employees and volunteers) and received a staff overview of the proposed consolidated rule. The hearing was opened by motion and passed by voice vote; the board then heard a presentation from Mr. Thomas on the rule's structure and timeline for comment. Thomas said the revised rule consolidates previously separate administrative regulations (CKA R1—R4) into a single CKA rule that incorporates statutory training and notification requirements. He described the rule's key elements: (1) a requirement that district employees or volunteers who are authorized to carry complete training and annual recertification consistent with state law; (2) a district process to provide notice and training; (3) a prohibition on open carry on school property; and (4) requirements to communicate authorized carriers to local law enforcement so officers know who may be carrying on campus. Thomas noted the rule references state statutory requirements (he read a numeric citation in the meeting: "1 21 3 1 32" as part of the discussion) and said the district has purchased additional liability coverage related to active-shooter exposures and the authorized concealed-carry program; he also said the district successfully sought reimbursement from the state for policy-related insurance costs this year. He recommended removing a duplicated liability-insurance clause the staff found repeated in the draft. Public comment will remain open until Oct. 7; Thomas said the board could expect further discussion at the October meeting and potential final action in November after staff compiles and responds to comments. The public hearing was adjourned and the regular meeting reconvened without the board taking final action on CKA at this session.