Sounding off

Readers respond on our Facebook page to Should teachers be armed?

Is it the schools’ responsiblity to keep the students safe maybe should complain to the school people pay taxes to the school so it should be their job not the government.

— Ron Shenk

I would feel safer. It would be a highly vetted person. The President was right yesterday. It is not just in the school, but when kids are leaving the school too. In today’s world the kids at school are most vulnerable. We have guards at other public buildings and banks. Kids are just are valuable as the dollars in a bank and actually more valuable.

— Judy Welker

So, we put all these listed ideas to stop the shooter inside the building... What’s to stop them from doing their damage outside say where the bottleneck is getting into the school? Jumping onto a bus, thinking far more damage could be done in an open space.

— Ron Advey

No. Guns need to be stopped at the doors of the schools once the guns get inside building it’s too late. Also teachers need to worry about teaching which is their trained profession and not have that additional burden.

— Maureen McNamee

Some of the teachers posting here just don’t get it. The idea would be to qualify and train a willing individual. Chances are, there are plenty of them already in the school. They just need to have the license to be able to do it.

— Bill Polewchak

Absolutely. The schools that already have armed teacher you do not see them getting shot up. I’ve seen people suggest metal detectors and every thing else. The kids are going to school to learn not fear for their lives which a metal detector indicated they need to. Having trained staff with fire arms are the best route now a days.

— Trista Durkin

May not be 100% on board but something needs to be done to protect our kids and gun control is NOT the answer! You think half these school shootings the gun was obtained legally? I don’t think so!

— Laurie Muha

No to teachers being armed. Metal detector at all schools and armed guard. No to rental security. Military or law enforcement. Teachers do not need to be armed.. so a kid can wrestle or steal the gun?

— Lola Malbec

No- but armed security is an option. Also- what about those teachers who are opposed to using firearms?

—Michaela Ferkul

I like the idea of protecting the children, however, I think maybe security guards and a metal detector and security doors might’ve been better.

— Cathleen Cindric

True, teacher’s main jobs are to teach required curriculum. It is also their responsibility to teach personal responsibility, respect for authority, to discipline and enforce school rules, and to report troubled and uncooperative students to proper channels - and their parents! Re: being armed - YES - if voluntary - not mandatory and if properly trained and qualified. Also, some teachers may be hunters and/or already have CCW permits. They could be readily utilized and trained in shooter awareness situations.

— Francis D. Lamm

Sure, let our teachers and kids fear for their safety while people with guns protect our politicians. People are the problem, your guns protect you from this problem. Don’t love your kids? Send them to a gun free zone.

— Dave Schawe

I believe if a teacher is willing, on their own, this would work! They are NOT going to hand someone a gun that is not comfortable with one! This is only for those that are willing and able.

— Sherri Walls Osborne