GALION, Ohio — During Galion’s regular board of education meeting Thursday, spokespeople from AA American Bail Bonds offered to give the district’s faculty and staff free Concealed Carry Weapon classes.
“I know everybody freaks out when they hear, oh my gosh, a gun in the school. It’s not just throw guns everywhere and that’s it. We want to get teachers certified,” said Gina Powell of AA American Bail Bonds.
Powell said that if the board approves a resolution, AA American Bail Bonds would find the money to make CCW training happen, free of charge to the district.
She said over 40 districts in Ohio have allowed teachers to go through CCW training.
The offer came amidst the district’s redesigning of a safety plan. The plan was originally turned in at the beginning of the school year to Homeland Security, whom subsequently rejected it, said Superintendent James Grubbs.
“It’s being redone right now. At this point, I’m not in favor or against the CCW option,” said Grubbs after the meeting. The board did not discuss CCW training options during the meeting.
Grubbs said he and another board member participated in an Ohio School Board Association conference last week, where the two attended a CCW workshop designed for teachers and education administrators.
“We need to know their side. There are valid points they (CCW in schools proponents) make,” Grubbs said.
In other news, the board recognized three students for academic and athletic achievement during Thursday’s meeting. Each were presented with a certificate of honor by Grubbs and board president Jennifer Kuns.
Jun Hao Zheng was recognized for his status as a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Process.
Drake Barnett was recognized as the Mid Ohio Athletic Conference Red Division Football Player of the Year. His peer Taylor Valentine was recognized as the Mid Ohio Athletic Conference Red Division Volleyball Player of the Year. Valentine was also recognized for earning 2nd Team All-Ohio Honors.
Galion Primary School Principal Cindy Voss presented the board with a status update on the Raz-Kids program, a reading itinerary developed for young students to encourage reading through the use of iPads and computers.
“This is something I wish I had when my kid went to school. It would have made things easier. This is great,” said Kuns after Voss finished with her presentation.
The next board of education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Galion Middle School library.
