A school has voted to arm janitors following the Newtown school shootings back in December. On Jan. 11, Business Insider reported that the Montpelier Exempted Village Schools Board of Education, in Ohio unanimously voted to have their janitors carry handguns. More schools across the country may come to similar decisions in the near future.
School safety has become a national top priority since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, Conn. Previously, schools had security measures put in to place that included locked doors and a required check-in at the office for all visitors. These measures didn't save Sandy Hook from tragedy and they may not save another school, so other measures are being looked in to.
The school that is set to arm janitors began thinking of doing so about six months ago according to the school board president, Larry Martin. "Our main goal is to offer safety for our students while they are in the classrooms and in the building. We have to do something and this seems like the most logical, reasonable course to go with," said Martin.
According to the report, four custodians will be trained to carry handguns at the school. Children range in age from five years old (kindergarten) to 18 years old (high school). Naturally everyone hopes that those handguns never have to be used but perhaps just knowing that there are people armed at the school will deter any criminal activity.
Do you think it's a good idea for a school to arm janitors?
© Effie Orfanides 2013
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