Although Ohio House Bill 99–which takes effect September 12–allows boards of education to permit employees to carry a weapon on school premises, that will not be the case at Springfield Schools.
At the August 10 meeting, the school board unanimously passed a resolution prohibiting “school employees from possessing or carrying a firearm or other deadly weapon on school grounds, in school buildings or in school zones.”
The only exception is for the district’s school resource officers who are “experienced law enforcement officers certified as peace officers by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.”
Board member Ev Harris noted that one SRO Aalea Robertson is leaving the district for a position in Springfield Township’s new police department. “Will we be replacing her?” he asked.
“Yes,” replied Superintendent Matt Geha, adding that the position has been posted and Officer Robertson will train the new officer before leaving at the end of this year.
In a related matter, Mr. Geha said Brett Warner, director of safety, will conduct a safety and security drill with staff on August 23.
The superintendent encourages anyone with concerns about security this school year to contact his office at 419-867-5600.
