SCSD#2 Holds Roundtable Discussion on Concealed Carry

On Tuesday, May 13, the SCSD#2 Board of Trustees held a special round table discussion event concerning Wyoming House Bill 172, the repeal of Gun-Free School Zones.

Board Chairman Shane Rader said the board is seeking feedback on writing a policy concerning extra training for school employees and volunteers who may want to obtain a concealed carry permit.

Superintendent Scott Stults explained the way the repealed Gun Free Zone bill works.

After July 1, the law will allow anyone who has a concealed carry permit to enter a school with a concealed weapon. Schools cannot, by the law, ask if anyone has a permit when they come into the school or a school event.

He added that currently to obtain a permit in Wyoming, there are not very stringent requirements. All one has to be 21 or over; fill out an application with the Sheriff’s office, and prove that they have some type of firearms training, it could even be a hunter safety card. Then the applicant would have to submit to a background check and agree to be fingerprinted.

SCSD#2 Trustee Doug Moore was at the event and had this exchange with 16-year-old Tristan Schroeder who attends Sheridan High School.

Sheriff Levi Dominguez attended as well. He talked about the roundtable and the school board policy from the viewpoint of law enforcement.

The question of liability was raised, and whether or not the insurance rates would change because of the policy. Moore mentioned the question of mental health for anyone wishing to obtain a permit, and the fact that this was a concern.

Several of the attendees felt that knowing that teachers may have a concealed firearm felt it made them feel nervous, rather than feel safer.

A large crowd attended the event, and there was a lot of discussion about the subject at the various round tables.

Rader commented on the turnout.

After the meeting, board members gathered up the comments and questions, and these will be discussed at the board meeting on June 9.