Board advances first reading of concealed‑carry policy after community forum on HB172

Sheridan County School District #2 trustees advanced a new concealed‑carry policy on first reading after a report on community feedback about House Bill 172, the recent repeal of gun‑free school zones.

During public comment, Shelly Pollock told the board she supported the Legislature’s statute but urged the district to clarify volunteer definitions and training requirements. “If a person already has a concealed carry permit, they should be able to present that permit and should not be required to take further training,” Pollock said, and she asked that any required training costs be paid by the district if the board requires them.

Superintendent (staff member) summarized a public forum held May 13 and staff analysis of the repeal. The district reported about 60 people attended the community meeting. Staff also reported results from an employee survey of roughly 364 respondents: 290 employees (about 79.7%) said they did not support repeal of gun‑free school zones; 317 employees (87.1%) said they supported the district drafting policy for volunteers and employees; and 285 employees (78.3%) said they do not plan to carry a concealed firearm at work (6 employees, 1.8%, said they do plan to carry and 73 reported being unsure).

Staff reviewed provisions the board will consider. The draft policy follows statutory training guidelines cited in the discussion: 16 hours of live training, eight hours of scenario training, and a 12‑hour annual renewal requirement. The draft also would allow a trained staff member or volunteer to keep a firearm secured in a biometric lockbox under their control when not on the person. The superintendent said failure to follow policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or volunteer status. Staff also said the district has consulted legal counsel and insurers about liability and coverage.

Trustees debated whether the district should pay for voluntary staff training. Trustee Gramper urged the board to fund training so cost would not be a barrier; Trustee Tomlinson and Trustee White also supported district‑funded training for volunteers or staff who undertake additional duties. Trustee Rambert, Trustee Fesler and others argued that carrying is voluntary and taxpayer dollars should not be used to subsidize optional training. Trustee Waddell raised operational questions about what “direct control” of a lockbox means and whose responsibility building administrators would have for secure boxes. Trustee Moore asked for a clearer definition of “visitor.”

The superintendent said a state allocation of $400,000 is available for reimbursements related to implementation and that District 3 had moved forward with trainer arrangements; staff said districts can submit reimbursement requests for costs incurred between June 2 and June 30 and that planned training in August could be reimbursed by the Wyoming Department of Education if invoices are submitted.

On the board floor, a motion to approve two policies on first reading — CKA (concealed firearms) and KFB (weapons) — passed by voice vote. Trustees did not record a roll‑call tally in the minutes; the chair declared the motion carried and the policies will proceed through rulemaking and a later second reading process.

The board indicated staff will continue rulemaking (including a 45‑day public comment period) and further policy committee work to refine visitor definitions, training implementation and administrative responsibilities before a second reading.

No changes to existing law were made by the board; the action advanced a first reading of district policy language implementing the state statute.