The Tuscarawas Valley Local School District is moving forward with a plan that will allow employees to possess firearms on school property and school safety zones.
(Zoarville, Ohio) The move came following a recent Tuscarawas Valley Board of Education meeting. The decision was approved unanimously. School officials note that the specific details about district’s Emergency Safety Plan are confidential in order to protect the integrity of the plan.
“Educating with excellence and ensuring safe, positive learning environments are our main objectives,” explained Superintendent Mark Murphy. “We are committed to continuously updating our safety standards given the reality and challenges we face today.”
In Tuscarawas County, Indian Valley Local Schools and Newcomerstown Exempted Village Schools – also have armed staff members on campus.
Murphy added, “I will emphasize however, employees to be armed will meet very stringent requirements, along with ongoing training and certifications.”
Tuscarawas Valley officials indicate employees who will be armed are required to meet extensive requirements similar to what is currently in place at the other districts in Tuscarawas County.
Employees will be required to have a concealed carry permit, to complete the Faculty/Administrator Safety Training & Emergency Response (FASTER) training, Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, pass a drug screening and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation background check and learn CPR. Participating staff members will also be required to train twice a year.
