Barnegat Super Against Arming Teachers

BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ - Schools Superintendent Karen Wood joins fellow area superintendents in opposing arming teachers to deal with school security problems.

"Our teachers are trained on matters of school security but should not, in my opinion, be carrying weapons," she said. "Just like I wouldn't expect an armed security officer to teach a class, I don't believe teachers should have weapons. That should be left to the experts."

President Trump met with grieving family members and survivors in a "listening session" last week. He asked if they supported allowing teachers and other school employees to carry concealed weapons, an idea he said could have halted the carnage in Parkland, according to a report in the New York Times.

"That coach was very brave, saved a lot of lives, I suspect," Mr. Trump said, apparently referring to Aaron Feis, a coach at Stoneman Douglas who reportedly died using his body as a shield to protect students. "But if he had a firearm, he wouldn't have had to run, he would have shot and that would have been the end of it."

Wood said the district has a good working relationship with the police department, the Board of Education and the Township Committee.

"Although our established practices are good we are never satisfied with "good enough" when it comes to safety," Wood said. "The district is exploring many options at this time. The Barnegat Police Department has been extremely supportive and collaborative during these challenging times. The district turns to the police whenever a security matter is brought to our attention."

Logo: Courtesy of the Barnegat Township School District