Teton County trustees approve staff concealed‑carry policy after lengthy debate and amendments

The Teton County School District #1 Board of Trustees voted June 11 to approve revised policies that govern concealed firearms on school property, following extended trustee debate, public comment and proposed late amendments.

The board approved proposed policy GKA (staff authorized to conceal carry) as amended and subject to legal review. Trustee Tristan Bosch read a detailed amendment proposing rigorous training standards, medical and psychological screening, quarterly firearms proficiency testing, biannual inspections, indemnification and explicit waiver language. Bosch said the additions were based on guidance from Teton County law enforcement and were intended to create a "rational basis" for imposing requirements.

Superintendent Chapman advised trustees that if the board delayed action, Wyoming law would allow employees to carry without local oversight beginning July 1 and that passing a policy could preserve the district’s ability to claim related reimbursable costs. Charlotte Reynolds, the district’s director of risk and liability, told trustees their liability insurance would not cover concealed‑carry incidents without an additional rider costing about $30,674; the board approved renewal of its general liability and cyber coverage and requested a copy of the firearm/active‑assailant rider for review.

Trustees debated whether to table the matter to allow more legal review and whether to adopt Bosch’s amendments in full. Bosch read the proposed language into the record, including: "Any employer or volunteer that carries a concealed firearm does so at their own risk and assumes all liability and risk associated with their independent decision to carry a concealed firearm," and language requiring sign‑offs and waivers prior to carrying. Other trustees voiced concern about timing, the feasibility of imposing extensive training and screening, and the practical risk staff would face if law enforcement encountered an armed non‑officer during an incident.

Public comment included local architect Curt Doobie, who urged the board not to let the concealed‑carry policy affect the district’s security‑vestibule project; a few trustees also registered conscience or procedural votes during the roll calls.

The board approved related policies intended to prohibit open carry and to clarify weapons rules for students and visitors. Several trustees said they expected to continue refining training and indemnity language with counsel and to reopen portions of the policies if legal review suggested changes.

The board recorded the policy approvals as second reads and noted the actions were subject to final legal review; next steps include staff follow‑up with the insurance carrier for policy details and legal counsel review of the new waiver and training provisions.