WASHINGTON - Monday night, Washington Illinois school board decided to delve deeper into a plan to arm school administrators. Shortly after the recent Newtown Connecticut school shooting, the National Rifle Association offered training for schools that wanted armed security to protect their students from similar attacks. The Peoria Journal Star reports:
District 308 School Board members on Monday agreed that a plan to train and arm Washington Community High School administrators should continue to be explored.
But their approval came with the caveat that further research into the plan devised by Police Chief Jim Kuchenbecker and Superintendent Jim Dunnan must be part of a broader discussion of improving high school security.
"We don't have an agenda and we're not looking for attention. We just want to be transparent and do all we can to avert a tragedy at the school," said Kuchenbecker, who presented the plan to the board and more than 100 audience members.
"It would be irresponsible for us not to explore every way possible to provide the safest environment we can for the students and staff."
The plan was developed in the wake of last month's tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., and because Illinois does not allow concealed carry of a weapon.
"It's sad we even have to engage in this discussion," Kuchenbecker said. "Outside of their parents' arms, the next safest place for a child should be in the classroom."
More at Peoria Journal Star.
