Some Students Uneasy About School Sentinel

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
January 24, 2013 4:24 PM


State legislatures throughout the country look to change gun laws and keeping schools safe, South Dakota's House Bill 10-87 would attempt to do both of these things. But, not all students would feel safer if their teachers were concealing a weapon.  

“It would probably run through my head a couple of times during the class period personally,” said Carl Lang, a senior at Lennox High School.   

Some students at Lennox High School had to think twice when they heard legislation in Pierre might allow teachers and other school employees to be armed.  

“Depending on who the teacher was, I think I would feel nervous in classrooms,” said Joe Hendrickson, also a senior at Lennox High School.  

And their superintendent agrees with them.

“I just don't think guns belong in schools,” said Dr. Robert Mayer.

While not everybody believes a school sentinel would be the best option, people believe there are other security measures that could be taken.

“If we want more police officers or school resource officers in schools, I think that's a good idea,” said Dr. Mayer.

While no police officers regularly roam the halls of Lennox High School, some students would prefer a student resource officer.   

“That would make me feel a lot better. Someone who's well trained with a gun and knows how to use one and has a license to use it,” said Joe Hendrickson.

But adding officers costs money. Money, most schools don't have

“Schools have to come up with the money, our cities, our counties, whoever has to fund that police officer is going to have the dollars in which to do it. And it's difficult for everybody. Nobody has any extra money lying around,” said Dr. Mayer.  

Security cameras and visitors having to check into the main office when they come in the building are security steps already in place. And a pair of students and an administrator feel allowing teachers to carry weapons would be a step too far.    

“As much as I support the second amendment, I don't support guns in schools,” repeated Dr. Mayer.  

“I wouldn't really like the idea having guns in classrooms. I think students can gain access to and perhaps create a dangerous situation in schools,” said Joe Hendrickson.