JCSD1 Releases Results of Survey on Gun Legislation

Results of a survey conducted by the Johnson County School District concerning gun legislation has been released, with responses both in favor and in opposition to the proposed laws.

JCSD1 conducted a school community survey from January 17 through 24, on Senate File 37: Enhanced Concealed Carry in School Zones and House Bill 0172: Repeal Gun-Free Zones and Preemption Amendments, to collect feedback from parents, students, staff, and district leadership on these proposed bills and their potential impact on school safety, policies, and the learning environment.

According to a release from the district, the survey received 641 qualified responses, reflecting strong community engagement across all stakeholder groups.

The survey results reveal strong polarization among respondents, with opinions split between support and opposition to the proposed bills.

Common concerns included safety, qualifications for permit holders, additional pressure on teachers and staff, and the potential impact on student enrollment and staff retention.

Supporters cited increased safety, quicker response times, and deterrence of school shootings as potential benefits.

The district will share the findings with local legislators to inform their decision-making and advocate for the interests of the district’s stakeholders.

Should either bill become law, the survey results will also guide the district in developing policies and practices to prioritize student safety and well-being.

For more information about the survey results or the district’s next steps, please contact Heidi Sanchez, Executive Assistant, at hsanchez@jcsd1.us.

Read the entire release here:

JCSD#1 has concluded its school community survey on Senate File 37: Enhanced Concealed Carry in School Zones and House Bill 0172: Repeal Gun-Free Zones and Preemption Amendments. The survey aimed to collect feedback from parents, students, staff, and district leadership on these proposed bills and their potential impact on school safety, policies, and the learning environment.

The survey, conducted from January 17–24, 2025, garnered 641 qualified responses, reflecting strong community engagement across all stakeholder groups. JCSD1 is committed to ensuring the voices of its community are heard, and the findings will be shared with local legislators to provide insight into how the school community views these important issues.

Survey Highlights:

• Diverse Feedback: The survey results reveal strong polarization among respondents, with opinions split between support and opposition to the proposed bills.
• Key Concerns: Common concerns include safety, qualifications for permit holders, additional pressure on teachers and staff, and the potential impact on student enrollment and staff retention.
• Perceived Benefits: Supporters cited increased safety, quicker response times, and deterrence of school shootings as potential benefits.
• Desire for District Involvement: Across all groups, the majority of respondents expressed that school districts should have a say in the implementation and management of enhanced concealed carry policies.
• Input by Stakeholder Group:
  • Parents (327 respondents): Opinions are strongly polarized, with 41.55% strongly supporting and 27.46% strongly opposing. Most parents want additional training and clear protocols if these bills are enacted.
  • Staff (188 respondents): Staff showed higher levels of concern, with the majority expressing that enhanced concealed carry would negatively impact the learning environment and workplace safety.
  • District Leadership (12 respondents): Leadership unanimously expressed concerns about safety, teacher retention, and alignment with the district’s mission.
  • High School Students (114 respondents): Students reported low familiarity with the proposed bills, with the majority unsure whether concealed weapons in school zones could prevent or reduce dangerous situations. While students expressed discomfort with the idea of anyone with a concealed carry permit being allowed to carry a firearm in their school—citing concerns about the learning environment and personal safety—they reported little discomfort with teachers or staff carrying a concealed firearm.

Next Steps:

JCSD1 will share the findings with local legislators to inform their decision-making and advocate for the interests of the district’s stakeholders. Should either bill become law, the survey results will also guide the district in developing policies and practices to prioritize student safety and well-being.

Superintendent Auzqui emphasized the importance of community input, stating, “These survey results reflect a wide range of perspectives from our school community, highlighting the complexity of these proposed bills. JCSD#1 is committed to using this feedback to develop procedures and policies that would be best for students, staff, and the community of Johnson County if a legislative mandate related to this topic happens.”