The Argyle Independent School District's board of trustees met this week to take a second vote on the measure to arm some employees in their schools and district buildings. Trustees wanted to make sure everything was clear and all procedures were properly followed. Once again the measure passed.
Last week, Argyle's school board trustees voted to adopt a new policy that will allow certain staff members to possess certain firearms on district property, at district sponsored or sanctioned events and at board meetings.
The district said comprehensive details of the program will not be released in order to maintain the integrity of the program; however they ensure several safeguards are in place.
They said the authorized staff members will be volunteers who are licensed to carry a firearm in the state of Texas. The carriers will have passed a rigorous interview with psychiatric evaluation, training and a vote by the school board.
The staff members will be overseen by the district’s chief of police and will be required to take ongoing training a requalify throughout the school year.
The move is part of the school marshal program that was authorized by the state legislature under the Protection of Texas Children Act.
The plan is getting mixed reactions from parents and community members.
Superintendent Telena Wright said maintenance is preparing signage to go up on district campuses alerting of the new policy. She expected those to be in place as soon as possible.
