The Galion City School District is in the midst of updating its safety plan.
Superintendent James Grubbs confirmed following Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting at Galion Middle School that the district has met with state and federal Homeland Security officials and the plan is nearly complete.
Grubbs’ comments came after Gina Powell and Ken Reynolds of AA American Bail Bonds spoke to board members during public discussion about the possibility of the district allowing school employees to be allowed to conceal carry weapons in the district.
Reynolds said the best option is having school resource officers, but with budgeting concerns other options can work.
“You can contract with specific people to have CCW and what weapons are needed,” he said. “Our goal is to help implement it at no cost to the district.”
Powell said her business offers free classes to Galion and Northmor school employees and she said about 40 districts offer CCW in Ohio and hundreds across the country.
No comment was made during the meeting by Grubbs or board members. Following the meeting, Grubbs shared that the CCW discussion has not been raised with Department of Homeland Security members.
After the meeting, Grubbs also shared that recent developments where the Islamic State has threatened an attack on Washington D.C. has not deterred the school’s plans to offer a field trip there in the spring.
“In my opinion, we must continue to educate kids and use extreme caution,” he said. “We can’t let others control us.”
During his report, Grubbs said he’s been excited about what’s happening in the district.
“There is a great positive vibe here,” he said. “I feel a change already and we’re headed in the right direction.”
