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Carthage, Gary ISDs to have "armed" staff

When school bells ring Monday to signal the start of classes for the 2014-15 school year, two Panola County school districts will be among those that will have armed staff.

 

According to an article in the Panola Watchman newspaper, Carthage and Gary ISDs have joined several East Texas school districts that implemented extra precautions to help ensure the safety of students. It's believed allowing personnel to carry concealed weapons can save lives in the typical three to five minutes before law enforcement arrives.

 

Carthage ISD Superintendent Glen Hambrick said an online survey asking parents their thoughts of arming staff showed an 80 percent favorbility to the idea.

 

Carthage has also included a police department, in addition to magnetic doors to buildings, extra security cameras, and the district has lockdown procedures.

 

Carthage ISD was the sixth East Texas school district to arm staff. Hambrick said there are signs posted in those districts notifying visitors that there's armed staff.

 

We were told by Center ISD Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry before the summer break that the Center ISD did not have intentions to arm district employees. 

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