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Teton County board reviews new firearms policies after state law change as parents press for stronger limits
Summary
Trustees held first readings of several policy drafts that respond to Wyoming’s repeal of gun-free school-zone protections, including prohibitions on open carry, proposed rules for concealed carry by staff/volunteers, signage and training requirements, and contract language for outside vendors. Parents urged bold local resistance and maximum training; board will revise wording and bring final votes in June.
TETON COUNTY — The Teton County School District #1 Board of Trustees on the evening of the regular meeting reviewed a package of first-read policies aimed at clarifying school rules after the state repealed gun‑free school‑zone protections. The proposals include a ban on open carry on district property, new language to regulate concealed carry by staff and volunteers, and suggested signage asking visitors to refrain from bringing firearms onto school grounds.
Board members said the policy drafts are intended to give the district a clearer set of expectations and higher standards than the minimum set by state law. “We want to set a baseline so we’re not opening our campuses for people to carry firearms unless statutory requirements are met,” a trustee said during debate of the draft language. Administrators told the board they would add explicit cross‑references to Wyoming statutes and return revised language for a final vote in June.
The proposed package includes new or amended policy codes (drafts introduced to the board as KGA, KFB, KFC and JICI) that address staff and volunteer obligations, community‑use agreements and school signage. Superintendent Doctor Chapman said the changes respond to state legislation that allows lawful concealed carry in public schools beginning July 1 and that the district is trying to balance legal constraints with “assuring student safety.” The presentation also noted the Department of Justice had reviewed and suggested edits to unrelated nondiscrimination policy language earlier in the packet.
Public comment featured several parents and community members who urged the board to resist the law’s practical effects and adopt the strictest local measures possible. Jo Newman thanked trustees for their public opposition to HB172 and cited public polls showing opposition to allowing concealed carry on campus; Heather Smith, a parent active in civil‑rights work, urged the board to require “the most rigorous training requirements possible” and increase transparency so families know whether instructors or staff carry on campus. Phil Schoner asked whether the board could require carriers to identify themselves on campus with a visible marker.
Board members repeatedly said they would not invent statutory language and instead would cross‑check and cite Wyoming law where appropriate. Administrators and legal staff also discussed contracting options: the board can require outside groups using district facilities to waive privileges to carry and include enforcement provisions in rental or use agreements. Trustees asked staff to consult insurance counsel about enforcement and potential premium impacts before finalizing contract language.
The board did not vote on the policy drafts in this meeting; all were introduced for first reading and referred for revision. Doctor Chapman and legal staff will circulate redlines and recommended statutory cross‑references; the board expects to consider final versions at its June meeting. In the interim, administrators said they would explore signage, staff training requirements, and contract clauses for outside vendors and contractors.
