Montpelier Exempted Village Schools approved concealed carry for select staff

MONTPELIER, Ohio (WANE) - With a 5-0 vote, Montpelier Exempted Village Schools board members approved a measure for some staff members to carry concealed handguns on school property during school hours.

Under Ohio Revised Code 2923.122 , no one should bring a firearm into a school zone, unless a "person who has written authorization from the board of education or governing body of a school".

"When seconds matter, law enforcement is usually minutes away," said MEVS Superintendent Jamison Grime. "We just felt as though we needed to be able to take action faster than law enforcement can get here."

Superintendent Grime said there has been gun violence in schools for years, but the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut has brought the issue to the forefront recently.

He said the selected staff that will be carrying a concealed handgun will not have direct contact with students such as teachers.

Leslie Mason has six children in the district. She said this is a step in the right direction when it comes to keeping schools safe these days.

"I feel more comfortable knowing that they'll be safer because you never know," Mason said.

Angel Gigax has a son that attends Montpelier High School. She said she supports the school district coming up with ways to protect children during school hours, but having someone with a concealed handgun isn't the answer.

"We got to get plans in place, but we have to slow down and take it step by step and making sure we're covering every base," said Gigax.

Gigax and Mason said according to the superintendent's email, only four people will be armed during school hours.

Those selected staff members who will be carrying will get training in mid-March.