Union says new state law should end Tamaqua district's attempt to arm teachers
The teachers union challenging Tamaqua Area School District’s policy allowing armed teachers in classrooms says a new state law makes clear the policy is illegal.
But one school board member who supports arming teachers, and a gun violence prevention group that called on Gov. Tom Wolf to veto the bill, said they’re doubtful it will end efforts to arm teachers and expect it will lead to further legal battles.
Wolf signed Senate Bill 621 on Tuesday, amending the Pennsylvania School Code to provide more rigid training requirements and clarify who may serve as an armed school security officer or school resource officer. It adds sheriff’s officers to the definition of police and also gives school districts and private schools the option of employing armed security guards through a contractor.
In response to critics including CeaseFirePA and the Education Law Center, which urged Wolf to kill the legislation, the governor’s office said the law “removes any ambiguity about whether teachers can be designated ‘security personnel.’"
Read more: https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-tamaqua-school-security-armed-teachers-illegal-20190703-bwgqq4ybjvcptb3cdepiqzhf24-story.html
(Allentown Morning Call)