Four step plan for school safety
November 6, 2013
I'm sure you are getting a proverbial earful on this subject.

I agree that our schools should be prepared for an active shooter situation and that sending unarmed, untrained teenagers against an active shooter is not generally a good idea. What could possibly go wrong?

Following is a four step, common sense plan to lower the chance of an active shooter situation and, in the event of one, to minimize damage to innocent children, teachers and staff.

Step 1. Decline Federal Funding for our local school district. If we do this, then the Federal Government can not dictate rules to us that increase the likelihood of the death of the children of Boundary County by an active shooter in our schools. Although this first step is unthinkable to some it is necessary if we wish to provide real protection.

Step 2. This second step would be the most difficult, but also necessary.

Amend Idaho Code, 18-3302D. POSSESSING WEAPONS OR FIREARMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.
(1) (a) It shall be unlawful and is a misdemeanor for any person to possess a firearm or other deadly or dangerous weapon while on the property of a school or in those portions of any building, stadium or other structure on school grounds which, at the time of the violation, were being used for an activity sponsored by or through a school in this state or while riding school provided transportation.

to something like:

(1) (a) It shall be unlawful and is a misdemeanor for any unauthorized person to possess a firearm or other deadly or dangerous weapon while on the property of a school or in those portions of any building, stadium or other structure on school grounds which, at the time of the violation, were being used for an activity sponsored by or through a school in this state or while riding school provided transportation.

Insert a new section defining who is authorized to possess a firearm while on the property of a school and establish a training/certification requirement.

Back ground check requirement (no history of mental illness, anti depressant medications, etc.)

Yearly or quarterly training

Yearly re-certification

Step 3. Allow teachers, administrators and staff, who have taken specific training and passed comprehensive back ground check to carry concealed weapons to school.

Step 4. Place conspicuous signs around the school grounds giving notice to any would be shooters that there are staff members who are armed and trained on school grounds.

This is only the personal opinion of Thomas A. Bushnell and is not to be construed as legal advice, nor does this establish an attorney - client relationship between Thomas A. Bushnell Attorney at Law and the reader of this post.