By: Scott Larson
slarson@kcautv.com
Friday, South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard signed a bill into law that will allow teachers and other school personnel to carry guns in the classroom. This doesn't mean every school will have armed teachers - local school boards would have to approve that and local law enforcement agencies would have to sign off on it.
The thought of people with guns in schools is drawing a mixed reaction from parents in the community. Some are optimistic that it could save lives in the case of a school shooter while others are concerned about an accidental shooting or worse.
Schools are supposed to be a safe place were parents can drop off their kids and never have to worry about their safety, but that perspective changed December 14th when 26 innocent lives were taken by a gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT.
In reaction to that shooting, South Dakota schools now have the option to arm teachers or others. Linda Cutsinger of McCook Lake, SD is not on board with the concept. "Society's getting a little out of hand when our teachers have to carry guns."
The proposal is not sitting well with some Dakota Valley parents, too. Matt Eggers, a parent of a Dakota Valley student from Dakota Dunes, SD, says, "(There could be) a possible accidental shooting within the school. You know, if there are guns on the premises. This is South Dakota and you'd like to think around here that something like that wouldn't happen, but you never know."
But others see this as a positive step toward securing our schools. Jodi Hemmingsen, a parent of a Dakota Valley student from Jefferson, SD, sees the potential in the bill. "It would have been a great blessing to the people of Connecticut if someone maybe could have stopped what happened."
South Dakota now becomes the first state in the nation to allow armed teachers in schools. It's important to reiterate that individual school districts and local law enforcement have to sign off before anyone can be armed within the school.
