Two members of the Knox County Schools (KCS) Board of Education are proposing competing resolutions to push back on a recently passed law to allow armed teachers in classrooms.¶
Board members Kristi Kristy, R-District 9, and and Katherine Bike, D-District 4, are each sponsoring resolutions to reject the legislation passed last week by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Bill Lee. Both resolutions come to the same conclusion, but Kristy and Bike focus on different reasons.¶
Kristy’s resolution focused on the millions of dollars KCS has invested in officers and school safety, saying those personnel should remain the solely armed forces on campus.¶
“Knox County Schools has direct, cooperative partnerships with the Knoxville Police Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement officers keep the peace, protect school staff, students, and property, and should be celebrated as heroes and recognized for their service to our community and schools,” wrote Kristy in her resolution. “Now therefore be it resolved, that the Knox County Board of Education hereby affirms that certified law enforcement personnel are equipped to manage the safety and security of Knox County Schools. To maintain the highest possible standards for student safety, School Security Officers, School Resource Officers, and other law enforcement officers will continue to be the armed personnel on campus.”¶
Bike’s resolution claimed armed teachers could create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation and pointed out that parents and students would not know which teachers are carrying.¶
“While the goal of enhancing school safety is commendable, the introduction of firearms into educational environments poses significant risks to the overall safety and security of students, faculty, and staff,” wrote Bike in her resolution. “The Knox County Board of Education hereby commits to opting out of allowing teachers and staff to conceal carry on school property through the now approved Tennessee Senate Bill 1325 and urges the Sheriff of Knox County and the Knoxville Police Department Chief of Police to opt out of allowing teachers and staff to conceal carry on school property.”¶
The board will vote on these resolutions during the May 9 meeting.If approved Knox County Schools will join other Tennessee school districts that have renounced the bill and declined to allow teachers to carry firearms include Metro Nashville Public Schools, Williamson County Schools, Sumner County Schools, Oak Ridge Schools, Anderson County Schools, and Rutherford County Schools.¶
