JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton County School District #1 (TCSD) Board of Trustees is scheduled to discuss school policies and safety procedures for concealed firearms following the state legislature’s decision to repeal gun-free zones earlier this year. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 21, at 6 p.m. at TCSD #1 District Office Boardroom, 1235 Gregory Lane, Jackson, WY 83001
Governor Mark Gordon allowed HB0172- Repeal gun free zones and preemption amendments to go into law without his signature on Feb. 27.
According to the legislation, “persons may lawfully carry concealed weapons into any public elementary or secondary school facility or event that does not sell alcoholic beverages. Persons must have a valid concealed carry permit.”
The Board of Trustees wrote in the meeting’s agenda that they do not endorse the passed legislation because it erodes local control.
“Should the Wyoming Legislature no longer require the policy, the TCSD#1 Board of Trustees shall immediately void this policy,” the Board of Trustees wrote.
During the upcoming meeting, Trustees will discuss gun lock box procedures, firearm training and the prohibition of student concealed carry.
“Any student who carries, possesses, transports or uses a firearm on School District property in any manner will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion,” the TCSD policy states.
The TCSD policy also states that prior to carrying a concealed weapon, employees and volunteers must complete firearms training, which includes not less than 16 hours of live fire handgun training with 8 hours of scenario-based training using nonlethal training, firearms and ammunition.
Each employee and volunteer who carries a concealed weapon on school district property or at a school district event or activity must keep and maintain the firearm on his or her person at all times, or in a concealed, locked, biometric container or lock box within the direct control of the individual at all times.
The open carry of weapons on school property, at school-sponsored events, and within school facilities is strictly prohibited, regardless of whether the individual possesses a valid permit or license to carry a weapon.
In spite of the concealed carry state-wide mandate, TCSD is asking citizens “to refrain from concealed carry on school property while recognizing that the legislature has allowed it.”
Public comment will be taken at the meeting.
