Here is the sixth question we will include in our voter guide for the following election, Chairman, Prince William County School Board, At Large. This election is scheduled for November 6, 2018 (see 2018 ELECTIONS).

Do you support or oppose the school board allowing teachers holding concealed carry permits to bring firearms to school to protect their students?

Why this question? Although school shooting are rare (see School shootings are extraordinarily rare. Why is fear of them driving policy? (washingtonpost.com)), they have sparked an emotional debate. In addition, significant resources are being spent to fortify our schools (for example: Prince William Co. Public Schools begins pilot program arming retired officers in elementary schools (fox5dc.com)).

Various Virginia leaders have advocated for and against armed teachers as an effective deterrent against school shootings. Some leaders see a problem with “gun-free zones”. They are concerned that homicidal maniacs may regard them as “safe places” to shoot other people. Other leaders, however, are horrified by the prospect of teachers carrying guns.

Here are some recent articles that pertain to Virginia and Prince William County.

• Virginia awarded more than $800K to support threat assessment in schools (wtvr.com)
• Should teachers get guns? Some school leaders say no, absolutely not. (washingtonpost.com)
• Should teachers have guns in classroom? DC-area leaders sound off after Fla. shooting (wtop.com)
• “Who’s Paying For This?” Local School Official Questions Notion of Arming Teachers (www.wmal.com)

Here is the previous post in this series: WHY THOSE QUESTIONS ON THE PWMFA VOTER GUIDE? — PART 1.