The Mat-Su School Board is looking to update its school safety policy by permitting qualified district employees, board members, and contracted individuals to carry concealed handguns on school property.

The draft policy will be introduced at the May 6 school board meeting. Titled “School Safety and Security,” it reaffirms the board’s commitment to preventing violence and crime while outlining a voluntary program to enhance campus security. Participants would receive a stipend for the additional duty.

Under the proposal, authorization to carry a concealed handgun would be granted only to those who meet strict requirements, including the following:

— A valid Alaska Concealed Handgun Permit

— Completion of district-approved training (minimum 8 hours, maximum 40 hours annually)

— Passing a physical assessment and psychological evaluation

— Successful initial and random drug/alcohol screenings

— A clean criminal background review and other factors considered by the superintendent

According U.S. Concealed Carry Association, 32 states allow teachers and staff to effectively protect children by carrying a firearm on campus.

Under the proposed change, the superintendent or designee would hold final approval authority and could revoke permission at any time. Authorizations would be renewed annually and limited to specific school facilities.

Training would need to include live-fire handgun qualification, active-shooter scenario-based drills, and trauma/medical response, conducted outside regular work hours at the employee’s expense. Participants would need to supply their own handgun, ammunition, and holster, which meet district standards.

According U.S. Concealed Carry Association, 32 states allow teachers and staff to effectively protect children by carrying a firearm on campus. The group notes that school shootings often occur within minutes, and having trained staff on hand to defend themselves and students can save lives.

“In 2018, one individual walked into a Florida high school, shooting and killing 17 people and injuring others,” the group noted. “All the victims were shot in just under 4 minutes.”

A study conducted by Eric Dietz, a Purdue professor and homeland security expert, found that “having either an armed guard or armed staff on school grounds can reduce the number of casualties in a mass shooting situation by up to 70 percent by, at the very least, slowing an attacker.”

The proposed Mat-Su policy mandates that carriers keep their handgun properly holstered and concealed at all times while on duty. Storage is restricted to a secured biometric lockbox under their control, a designated secure location, or unloaded in a personal vehicle. Firearms may not remain in school buildings overnight.

The identities of authorized individuals would remain confidential to the extent allowed by law. They would not act as law enforcement or disciplinarians and would continue performing only their regular job duties. Building administrators would be notified of authorized personnel at their sites, and unauthorized disclosure could result in discipline up to termination.

The policy also calls for updated signage at all facilities stating that authorized individuals may carry concealed handguns for safety purposes, while unauthorized possession remains prohibited.

The proposal emphasizes that participation is entirely voluntary, and no employee would be required to carry a firearm. The superintendent must provide the board with annual confidential reports on applications, approvals, and denials.

This policy update reflects ongoing efforts by the Mat-Su School District to strengthen school safety plans in coordination with local law enforcement and the community.

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