Local School Administrators Oppose Guns in Schools

An Alabama legislator is proposing a bill that would allow school administrators and teachers to carry guns.

State Representative Kerry Rich said the bill would let local school boards vote to have either armed security officers at each school or allow certain teachers and administrators to carry guns on school grounds.

"Before police officers got (to the school in Newtown Connecticut), 26 people were killed. This would provide a ways and a means where someone would have a weapon and could confront someone that approached a school that was carrying a weapon themselves."

This idea isn't sitting well with some local school administrators though. They say guns in schools will take away students' peace of mind--not give it.

James Odom, the principal at Ashford High School, said in his 33 years of teaching he's never seen the need for guns in school, and doesn't feel now is the time to start the practice.

"I would not have a problem putting myself in harm's way for these children. I'm just not sure having a gun is the ideal thing," said Odom. "Maybe there is a different way."

Representative Rich hopes the bill will give teachers and students peace of mind, but school administrators say the safety procedures already in place are enough.

"Ultimately I think the teachers put their life ahead of the kids and we have procedures we follow. If we follow procedures like we should, the loss is minimal, if any," said Jarod Andrews, the assistant principal at Ashford High School.

If the bill is passed, educators would have to pass a sheriff's office led gun training course.

Legislators hope to hear from law enforcement on the issue as well as school administrators before passing the bill.

Web Administrator Note - Attempts were made to interview Houston County Superintendent Tim Pitchford. Pitchford was not available for an interview.