Panel Advises Little Rock to Not Arm School Security Staff
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. July 21 2019 While many schools across the country are arming their security staff, an advisory panel is recommending that the Little Rock School District not arm its security officers.
The Community Advisory Board voted 7-0 Thursday to direct district superintendent Mike Poore not to consider a proposal for arming 10 school security officers.
Tis is only a recommendation.
The final decision is up to the Arkansas Education Secretary Johnny Key.
He acts in place of an elected school board in the state-controlled school district.
Arkansas law allows public school district employees to be armed if they complete 60 hours of training, pass background checks and psychological evaluations.
Firearms may be used to defend students and staff members from attackers.
After the recommendation was made public, some parents told the media that they do not agree with this and would feel better if security was armed.
Key has not announced what direction that he take on this issue.
