Spirit Lake, Iowa — With the new school year beginning, one northwest Iowa school district has opted to install a new provision to their district security policy.
KUOO Radio in Spirit Lake reports that school security was the topic of a special meeting Monday evening of the Spirit Lake School Board. Board members voted unanimously in favor of a proposal and policy revision that will authorize Superintendent Dr. David Smith to designate up to 10 staff members who are willing, none of them teachers, to carry a concealed weapon in school buildings. Those who receive the designation will be required to undergo a certified, licensed training program. School attorney Steve Avery told board members state law granted schools the power to take such action a couple of years ago. Dr. Smith says this would serve as another important tool to assist in keeping kids, teachers, faculty and administrators safe.
Smith says the policy that was approved Monday evening comes after a substantial amount of research and meetings with law enforcement, including the Spirit Lake Police Chief and Dickinson County Sheriff. For his part, Sheriff Greg Baloun, who was in attendance at the meeting, commended the Spirit Lake School Board for taking the action.
Smith says the guns will likely be owned by the school district to ensure uniformity for training purposes and operations. Plans call for some of the armed personnel to also be present at home athletic events and other activities at the schools.
Thanks to our news partner, KUOO for this story.
