ANTWERP, Ohio-Antwerp Local Schools’ administration stands by its decision to arm staff members on school grounds, a policy implemented a year ago. Superintendent Martin Miller emphasizes the reassurance provided by trained personnel carrying firearms, with four staff members licensed to do so aside from the school resource officer.
However, teachers are excluded from this role to allow them to focus solely on educating students. Parents like Jaimie Larson support the policy for its potential to enhance safety. This initiative follows Ohio’s House Bill 99, giving local boards authority to permit armed staff. The Ohio Department of Public Safety plans to invest nearly $80,000 in Mobile Modular Shoot Houses for realistic training scenarios. While funded by taxpayers, community members like Anastasia Larson approve, prioritizing student safety. Data from the Washington Post underscores the urgency of such measures, citing over 400 school shootings in the United States from 1999 to April 2024.
