Weston County school board airs concerns on concealed-carry policy, chair withdraws motion for now

The Weston County School Board extensively discussed a proposed personnel firearms policy (Policy CKA) that would address concealed carry on district property before the board chair withdrew a motion to approve the policy on first reading and said the item will be revisited later.

Board members, administrators and community members raised questions about insurance coverage, legal limits on testing and discipline, how firearms would be stored while on campus, and potential operational problems for staff who both teach and coach. The board had moved and seconded approval of the policy on first reading earlier in the meeting, but after extended debate the chair said she would withdraw the motion and “consider this in this room then.”

Why it matters: The policy discussion followed recent state-level changes referenced in the meeting and touched on questions of liability, school safety and staff due process. Board members said the district’s insurance covers the district for the current year but that insurers and state law changes could change future coverage and costs.

Board members who spoke described a range of concerns. One board member asked whether the policy would reduce the district’s insurance costs; staff answered that the district is covered this year but that insurers’ terms for future years are uncertain. Another raised the possibility of requiring biometric lockboxes so firearms could be secured when a carrier could not safely keep a weapon concealed on their person. Several members urged caution about adding drug- or alcohol-testing requirements for certified staff, saying state statute and precedent limit mandatory testing for teachers.

Board chair (name not specified) summarized the decision by withdrawing the motion and saying the district would revisit the policy in the spring. The chair said she would “withdraw and consider this in this room then,” signaling no formal approval at this meeting.

Discussion points and staff clarifications - Insurance: District staff said current-year coverage includes concealed-carry exposure; next-year terms are uncertain and could change depending on insurers and legislative developments. The exact increase in cost for future coverage was not specified in the meeting. - Drug testing: Multiple speakers noted that state statute (not specified in the record) and precedent generally restrict random drug testing for certified teaching staff; bus drivers who hold CDLs remain subject to federal testing rules. - Storage: Board members discussed allowing firearms to be carried on the person or stored in a biometric lockbox while on district property; the phrase “biometric lockbox” appeared in the discussion as a possible compromise. - Discipline and due process: Board counsel (staff member) explained separate processes apply to non‑tenured and tenured/certified employees and that disciplinary steps and hearings would vary by employment status.

Board action and next steps A motion to approve Policy CKA on first reading was made and seconded earlier in the meeting but, after extended discussion, was withdrawn by the chair and will be reconsidered at a later meeting (chair indicated a preference to revisit in spring). No formal vote to adopt the policy was recorded at this meeting.

The district will monitor insurance developments and legislative activity; board members asked staff to continue gathering information and to review how other districts are handling similar policies.

Ending The board did not adopt Policy CKA at the meeting; members said they preferred to gather more information about insurance coverage, legal constraints on testing, and operational details (storage and training) before taking further action. The chair set an expectation the matter will return to the board’s agenda for further consideration.