School officials discuss safety concerns over concealed carry policy and training needs

Concerns over student safety and concealed carry policies dominated the Laramie County School District 1 Board of Trustees meeting on June 30, 2025. Trustee Burton expressed deep unease about the implications of House Bill 172, which allows concealed carry in schools, emphasizing the need for proactive measures rather than a "wait and see" approach when it comes to student safety.

Burton highlighted a critical gap in the current policy: principals are unaware of which teachers may be carrying firearms, raising significant safety concerns. "If they don't know that one of their employees is carrying a gun, that doesn't seem real safe," Burton stated, advocating for more transparency and training to ensure the safety of both students and staff.

The discussion also touched on the anxiety among teachers regarding potential confrontations with parents who may be armed. One teacher expressed a preference for conducting conferences via Zoom to avoid such situations, underscoring the pervasive fear surrounding the new legislation.

In addition to safety concerns, Burton proposed integrating gun safety training into the school curriculum. "If we're adding guns to the school, can we add gun safety training to the curriculum?" she asked, suggesting that education on firearm safety could mitigate risks and promote responsible handling.

The meeting concluded with a call for further training and discussion on the implications of the concealed carry policy, as trustees recognized the need to prioritize the safety of students and staff in light of the new law. The board's commitment to addressing these concerns reflects a growing awareness of the complexities surrounding gun policies in educational settings.