Some Kingsburg parents unhappy with new policy allowing some staff to carry a gun on campus

KINGSBURG, Calif. (KFSN) -- Armed teachers in classrooms will soon be a reality at Kingsburg High School. The school board voted to allow certain staff members to bring a gun to campus. The policy is still hard for some parents to accept.

It's a proposal that school board members unanimously support but one some parents say falls short.

"We feel like this puts ourselves in a situation, God forbid something happens, that we can be in a position to protect our kids," said Randy Morris, Superintendent.

The Kingsburg High School District Board voted Monday to allow concealed firearms on school grounds. Up to five teachers could carry a gun. Only the superintendent would know their identity. They would need to have a concealed carry weapon permit, fill out an application, and complete necessary training. Concealed carry instructors said they believe those teachers can save lives.

"As long as, again, they are trained properly how to use the fireman, number one, and when to use it," said Curt Hamett, concealed carry instructor.

"If a staff member wants to put themselves at risk like that, I'll be all for it," said Neil Dadian, Chief of Police.

But some parents who attended the board meeting were hesitant. They brought up other alternatives-- a fence or armed security.

"I just think there are other measures, other than putting this responsibility on teachers that have enough to do with teaching our students. Now we're going to add something else for the teachers to think about, shooting people-- really," said Mary Lou Swenning, grandparent.

"You could build 10 foot walls with razor wire on top, but at the end of the day we feel like somebody motivated is going to find a way to do that. Sometimes fences and gates just keep the honest folk out," said Morris.

School officials said they are looking at those other options but they believe having armed teachers is the first step in preventing a tragedy.