Arming Teachers At Central? What Are Your Thoughts?

BAYVILLE, NJ - Teachers teach. They don't carry guns.

That's Central Regional Schools Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides' reaction to President Trump's suggestion that arming teachers could cut down on school shootings.

"It is a horrible idea," he said. "I want my teacher's teaching and not worrying that they have to be a safety guard as well. Teaching is difficult enough."

The president met with grieving family members and survivors in a "listening session" on Wednesday. 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, Florida, 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."

Trump later also suggested giving bonuses to teachers who are trained in the use of firearms.

What do you think? Would arming teachers and school employees cut down on any future violence at Central Regional High School?

Tell us in the comments section below.
Photo: Patricia A. Miller