TAMAQUA - Keeping kids safe at Tamaqua Area School District is a top priority of parents, teachers and staff here in Schuylkill County. And in the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, many concerns are being raised.
"I am, I am, we all are, it`s a growing problem that we have to take a stand on any way that we can," said parent Denise Baddick.
The School Board is expected to give Tamaqua Administrators the 'go-ahead' tonight to begin looking into allowing some staff and teachers to carry guns in school. Assistant Superintendent Ray Kinder says the school wants to provide the safest learning environment possible.
"We would look at the laws regarding it, what type of legislation there is out there. I know there`s some discussion out there that some of those things might change, we`re going to have to keep an eye on that," said Assistant Superintendent Kinder.
Tamaqua Area School Officials say they`ll be asking parents their opinion before any decisions are made about bringing guns into these schools.
Administrators say they'll also talk to their students, some say security isn't very tight, and would agree with arming teachers.
"It`s kind of easy to get into the school, most of the time you just walk up and press a button and they ask who you are and you could say anything and then come in and you`re in the school," said Junior Peter Baddick.
While parents some parents air on the side of caution.
"I do, I`m not against it at all, I think it`s a good thing," said mother of two Denise Baddick.
Others are concerned this is asking too much of Tamaqua teachers.
"I don`t think it`s a good idea. I don`t think that the teachers can be trained and oriented enough to use the weapon if someone crashed a school," said father Lenny Zoba.
If the idea gets final approval, staff and teachers could be handling weapons as soon as next school year.