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Tecumseh Local board approves resolution authorizing trained staff to be armed in school safety zones
Summary
The Tecumseh Local Board of Education voted 5–0 on Nov. 19 to authorize trained, approved personnel to carry or possess deadly weapons in school safety zones, directing the superintendent to create training procedures and submit a confidential list of authorized staff to the Ohio School Safety and Crisis Center.
The Tecumseh Local Board of Education voted 5–0 on Nov. 19 to adopt a resolution authorizing approved, trained administrators, teachers and support staff to carry or possess deadly weapons in school safety zones.
The resolution, adopted by the five-member board, directs the superintendent to develop procedures for training qualified individuals (with all training costs to be paid by the board) and to submit a current list of authorized personnel to the Ohio School Safety and Crisis Center; the resolution also says that the submitted list "shall not be disclosed and shall not be considered a public record." The resolution cites Ohio Revised Code provisions as its legal basis.
Board President Sue Anne Martin recorded the action during the regular meeting. The roll call recorded Ayes: Martin, Clark, Mills, Diller and Stafford; Nays: none.
The item drew public attention during the meeting’s public-comment period, with multiple speakers both supporting and opposing measures related to school safety. Several attendees who spoke earlier in the evening addressed arming staff, with opponents raising safety and cost concerns and supporters saying increased on-site protection could enhance safety.
Board members also addressed the community response during member remarks. Board member Matt Mills said the board would move quickly to implement necessary steps and called for community involvement on related district decisions. Paula Crew, a board member, criticized personal attacks on a fellow board member that occurred on social media during the recent levy campaign, saying, "the personal attacks against Mr. Matt Mills were uncalled for and unnecessary. I was appalled to be part of a community that permitted that on social media and wasn't taken down." Mr. Mills said the board would "hit the ground running" on the work required.
The resolution directs the superintendent to create qualification and training procedures to be approved by the district Safety Committee, requires the board to pay training fees, and requires submission of authorized-personnel lists to the Ohio School Safety and Crisis Center. The resolution text cited Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.122(D)(1)(d) and Section 5502.703 and referenced board policy number 3217 and Ohio Revised Code Section 2744.07 regarding support for staff engaged in certain governmental actions.
The board did not provide implementation dates during the meeting; the superintendent was directed to prepare procedures and to forward the required list to the state center as specified in the resolution. The board recorded no amendments and no recorded recusals or abstentions on the measure.
