The Campbell County School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved policy 4341 and associated regulations to govern employees approved to carry concealed firearms in district buildings, following state legislative changes earlier this year.
The policy implements requirements allowed by the recent repeal of the Dunphy Schools Act and sets procedures for selection, training, equipment, inspections and notification to the community.
Superintendent Cody Eisenhower told the board that the legislature provided districts two general options after the law change and that the district’s policy and regulations were reviewed by legal counsel and presented at prior board meetings and two public hearings with no public comment.
Under the adopted policy, employees who apply and are approved must complete required training, pass a psychological suitability exam and use approved lock boxes. The district will cover the direct costs listed in the regulations: lock boxes, psychological exams, and required training. Staff said they would clarify later whether the district will compensate employees for time spent in training if training occurs during work hours.
The policy requires annual requalification and states that law enforcement will inspect chosen firearms and storage if staff change weapons or for the annual requalification process. The regulations also restrict ammunition to approved specialty loads identified in consultation with local law enforcement.
The district will notify parents and guardians of students about the policy and the rules governing employees’ possession of firearms in district buildings; however, the identities of approved employees will remain confidential. The superintendent said the district will inform local law enforcement agencies of any approved carrying staff.
Board members asked several operational questions — including whether training would be paid and how annual inspections would be handled — and staff said some of those administrative details would be set by the superintendent and the armed-educator committee.
Trustees moved, seconded and voted to adopt policy 4341 and the accompanying regulations (sections 1–3). The motion passed unanimously.