LAURENS COUNTY, Ga. — Laurens County School District's Superintendent Clifford Garnto says arming their teachers and staff sends a message that safety is a priority for them.
Last week, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said the state should pay teachers to carry guns in the classroom. He proposed a $10,000 incentive.
In 2014, Georgia allowed local school boards to permit people other than police officers to carry guns on campus as long as they are trained. Laurens County Schools became the first system to allow teachers to be armed in 2018.
"It seems like Burt Jones is maybe taking that as part of his mission to bring some more focus into school safety," Garnot said.
Outside all of the Laurens County Schools, you will see warning signs that let you know staff are armed and trained.
Sheamik Rumph has two kids in the Laurens County School District. She says schools need staff members who are prepared to protect their students and the school.
"It's a start. I believe as time go, yes, there will be more things in place," Rumph said.
Garnto says administrators recommend teachers for the school district's gun carry program.
"One of the first things we do is we get a psychological done for each participant and once they pass the psychological, then we move on to our training, which is in-class training, as well as field training," Ganto said.
Garnto says there are 55 to 60 staff members who are currently armed and trained. He says some parents were concerned about the new program, but they changed their opinions when they saw how other schools handled shootings.
"It makes that process that much quicker by having people on site who are trained, who know that responsibility and are mentally capable to take on that responsibility," Garnto said.
School Safety Director Curt Kersey runs the week-long training the teachers and staff have to go through.
Teachers and staff take the training over the summer and they get a stipend for taking part.
"We work close with Laurens County Sheriff's department," Kersey said. "We have intense training at the range, active shooter training."
Raumph says parents should keep an eye on their students and treat mental health concerns. That way, these teachers can focus on teaching.
Jones also wants to have stricter school safety plans and give more money to schools to hire SROs with police certifications.