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Bristol board adopts policy allowing district security director to carry firearm; wider staffing left for future debate
Summary
The Board of Education approved policy 5142.41 allowing the district security director (and, under defined conditions, vetted retired officers) to serve as armed security officers; administrators and police said the first implementation will allow the current security director to carry, while some residents urged restraint and questioned budget priorities.
The Bristol Board of Education voted to adopt policy 5142.41 on Nov. 5, 2025, a measure that the board and district leaders said allows the district’s security director to carry a firearm while on duty and establishes a framework to employ vetted, retired law enforcement officers in the future if the board chooses to expand the program.
Board leaders and administrators emphasized that the immediate change applies only to the district’s existing security director and that no new armed positions were funded in the current budget. “This initial move is to allow our security director to carry,” Chair Ponds said during the meeting, noting the staff member already meets state qualifications.
Deputy Superintendent Mary Hawk and others framed the policy as one element of a broader safety strategy. Hawk told the board the recommendation was made after collaboration with the Bristol Police Department and training partners, and described the change as “proactive and research‑supported.” Chief Mark Mela of the Bristol Police Department told the board the department “fully supports” the district decision and will continue to collaborate on selection and training.
Chief Mela said the police department will provide support for the program and work with the district on operational details. At the podium, Security Director Steve Cabllis told the board the supplemental armed personnel could also help at large extracurricular events where staffing needs sometimes exceed available protection.
Not all community members agreed. During the public comment period, parent and resident Eric Veron urged the board to “pump the brakes” and focus on counseling and after‑school programs as the primary strategies to reduce school violence. Another resident, who identified himself as Mike Erosen, said he supported using former police officers as armed staff and stated, “100% in favor of that.”
Board members stressed the limited scope of the immediate action. “We didn’t budget for guards,” one trustee said in discussion; “if other positions are ever added, that would come to finance and the board.” The policy passed after discussion and a roll call vote.
Administrators said the district will continue restorative and social‑emotional programming and that any expansion beyond the director’s authority would require additional public discussion, memorandum of understanding with police partners, and budget approval.
The board also invited continued community input and indicated it will provide updates as implementation details and training plans are finalized.
