The Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC) welcomes steps taken by the Spirit Lake School Board to arm members of their on-campus staff in order to improve the school district’s security measures.
The school board approved the move, unanimously, during its meeting on Monday. Under the plan, 10 staff members who agree to carry and undergo training will be allowed to take part in the program.
The move follows efforts by IFC to work with school boards and other local elected officials to improve safety in public buildings where existing policies have left them vulnerable to attacks.
“The Spirit Lake School Board clearly loves their children enough to ensure, should tragedy strike, a threat can be addressed,” said IFC President Dave Funk. “We strongly encourage all other Iowa school districts to follow in the footsteps of Spirit Lake. Our children are worth protecting.”
Iowa Code 724.4B, which allows school districts to regulate armed personnel on school grounds, paved the way for Spirit Lake’s decision.
“Having this policy in place serves as a deterrent for anyone who might consider entering our schools with the intent to do harm,” said Spirit Lake Schools Superintendent David Smith in a statement to Explore Okoboji.
