Should School Employees Carry Firearms?

The Kimball School Board began tackling a sensitive issue or, as board President Travis Cook put it, "a heavy topic" at its July 8 meeting – whether school employees should carry firearms.

With state Sen. Brian Hardin in attendance, Hardin explained that the Unicameral passed legislation allowing school employees to carry a firearm, either concealed or open carry. The discussion addressed Board Policy 702.11 as it pertains to firearms in schools.

The board, along with local law enforcement, discussed at length the ramifications – legally, financially and emotionally – of a firearm policy.

Sheriff Dave Hottell said, "The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun." Deputy Greg Taylor prepared a packet for the school board members defining terms, justification, defenses of others, and force policies.

Strong opinions on the firearm policy were expressed by a number of people.

Law enforcement's concern is response time, and with one or more individuals on the premises with a firearm, lives may be saved with a quick response.

On a lighter note, Superintendent Trevor Anderson reported on the approval of three programs that received funding to continue improving Kimball Public Schools.

The ELITE program received funding until the 2028-29 school year.

The 21st Century Community Learning Center grant of $250,000, or $50,000 per year, will assist the district with expenses associated with the after-school program.

The district also received a $24,000 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant to purchase a new activity bus and replace the current yellow activity bus. The funds must be spent by June 30, 2026.

Finally, Kimball schools were approved for the Community Eligibility Program. All students enrolled in Kimball Public Schools will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge. Anderson said the program approval will last for four years.

Under action items policy 611.02, Class Ranking and Grade Point Average was voted on and approved. The policy change states, "In order to be eligible for valedictorian and salutatorian recognition, a student must have attended Kimball Public Schools as a full-time student for a minimum for four consecutive semesters in grades 9-12."

The board approved the district handbooks but tabled the approval of the continued purchase of Beyond Textbooks. Handbook changes reflect the new four-day school week, new school hours, attendance, eligibility, and the updated cell phone policy, to name a few of the changes.

The renewal purchase of Beyond Textbooks was tabled to allow the administrator time to check pricing.

The next school board meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Kimball County Transit Service.