In an effort to increase student safety across the Mat-Su School District, trained and qualified teachers, board members and school employees will be permitted to carry concealed weapons in Mat-Su schools, after the board passed a new resolution on June 3.
The 5-2 vote included support by School Board Members Kendal Kruse, Kathy McCollum, Andrew Shane, Brooks Pitcher and Lorie Colee. Members Ole Larson and Tom Bergey were opposed.
The cost to initially implement the program is estimated at $243,750. This includes insurance, training, consultation and updated signage. Ongoing costs, over time, would be about $198,000, with most of that going to insurance. That assumes that about 10 trained teachers or staff would participate.
The policy was first 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 new program, authorization to carry a concealed handgun will be granted only to those who meet strict requirements, including the following:
— A valid Alaska Concealed Handgun Permit
— Completion of district-approved training, including annual ongoing training.
— Passing both an initial physical assessment and psychological evaluation, and annually thereafter.
— Successful initial and random drug/alcohol screenings.
— A clean criminal background review and other factors considered by the superintendent.
According to U.S. Concealed Carry Association, 32 states allow teachers and staff to effectively protect children by carrying a firearm on campus.
Under the new program, the school superintendent or designee will hold final approval authority and can revoke permission at any time. Authorizations will be renewed annually and limited to specific school facilities.
Training will 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 will need to supply their own handgun, ammunition, and holster, which meet district standards.
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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.
The new Mat-Su policy mandates that carriers keep their handguns 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 will remain confidential to the extent allowed by law. They will not act as law enforcement or disciplinarians and will continue performing only their regular job duties. Building administrators will 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.
