Armed employees? School districts weighing options

By DANIEL SUTPHIN

STAFF WRITER

Local school districts are considering their options in regards to arming school personnel.

The Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program, signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott Friday, would allow JROTC officers, current or retired armed service members and retired law enforcement officers to carry guns on school campuses. The voluntary program must be agreed upon by the local school board and sheriff’s office.

If it were solely up to Charlotte County Superintendent Steve Dionisio, Charlotte County Public Schools would not participate in the program, according to district spokesman Mike Riley. Dionisio will be recommending that to the School Board.

Riley told the Sun arming school personnel would be an “unmitigated disaster.”

An employee would have to complete 132 hours of comprehensive firearm safety and proficiency training to be eligible for the program.