IBERIA, Mo. -- The Iberia R-5 School District elected to change the district's policy, in accordance with state law, Tuesday to allow approved teachers to carry concealed weapons at the Board of Education meeting.
The policy change was made in an effort to protect students and staff members from dangerous situations such as an active shooter.
The board also approved contracting with Shield Solutions Inc. to train and insure staff members who would like to apply to become district emergency response officers. Superintendent Lyndel Whittle said several staff members have voiced interest in undergoing the training.
Iberia R-5 is a rural school district located east of the Lake of the Ozarks in Miller County with approximately 725 students and 110 employees.
The district also had considered participating in the Peace Officer Standards and Training program. It could have been the first district to participate in the Department of Public Safety-supervised program. Shield Solutions Inc.-trained school security officers, many of whom already serve in school districts throughout Missouri, are not required to register with the state, are paid a stipend and insured through the company, and are under the supervision of the school district.
Whittle said the board also discussed ideas presented by teachers and staff members regarding other ways to improve school safety. Board members will further evaluate suggestions April 11 such as installing panic buttons that will automatically alert law enforcement and installing buzz-in only locking systems to better secure side entrances. The approved safety improvements will be part of the district's capital projects plan.
About 340 residents responded to an online survey on the topic of arming teachers, and Whittle said the policy received strong support.