Thursday, February 9th, 2023
St. Marys OKs armed school personnel
From staff reports
ST. MARYS - St. Marys school board members on Wednesday approved numerous resolutions allowing designated personnel to carry a handgun in the district.
Although board members approved a policy allowing select staff members to carry a handgun in the district's school buildings in September, it could not go into effect until the state established a safety plan and curriculum.
Superintendent Bill Ruane said the state committee approved the statewide safety plan and curriculum last week, finally giving school districts the go-ahead to begin implementing their own policies.
Board members on Wednesday night approved resolutions establishing an emergency response plan, and authorizing specified individuals to possess firearms on school premises, Designated School Safety Zones and a confidentiality agreement.
Ruane said implementation of the policy will be gradual as staff complete training requirements. Those who are chosen for the program will have to participate in an initial 40 hours of firearms and use of force training, which is nearly double the state requirement of 24 hours, he had said.
They will also have an additional eight hours of scenario training and will have to pass accuracy benchmarks at a higher standard than that required of police officers, Ruane had said.
Participants will have to pass use of force, high stress and tactical training.
They will also have annual trainings throughout the year in both firearm shooting and tactical situations.
Ruane had said all training would be provided by the St. Marys Police Department at no cost to the district. Participants will remain confidential, he had said.
Ruane also had said since authorized staff members would be volunteers and not law enforcement personnel, they would not be held to the same accountability standards if they failed to act in the face of danger.
Board members also,
• went into executive session to discuss employment. No action was anticipated.
• approved release time for religious instruction. Justin Monfort, a director with Kingdom Harvest Ministries, said they plan to launch the program toward the end of this school year.
• acknowledged Monica VanderHorst, a 27-year teaching pro who was recognized as a VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher at the post, district and state levels. She is currently a national finalist.
• approved a $2,145.95 donation from Adam and Hayley Sandoval for the purchase of a gaga ball pit for the primary school.
• hired substitute teachers Alex Anderson, Robert Barnstien, Logan Chaney, James Fraley, Kristi Sawmiller, Morgan Seewer and Allison Wilker.
• approved the retirements of building and grounds supervisor Greg Adams, paraprofessional Becky Adams and teachers Joe Ginter, Linda Hoying, and Monica VanderHorst effective at the end of the school year.
• approved the resignations of custodian Kerry Bertsch, bus driver Charles Curry, nurse Dianne Suchland, boys assistant soccer coach Patrick Larkin, head track coach Rob Cisco and assistant varsity track coach Steve Stroh.
The school board meets next at 6:30 p.m. March 8 in the high school auditorium.
