Rigano referenced the tragedy that claimed 28 lives in Newtown, Conn., last month and the school shooting in California on Thursday, saying something has to be done to prevent future incidents.
Superintendent Todd Petrey agreed there needed to be a discussion regarding the topic, and said he already had met with the Springboro and Clearcreek Twp. police chiefs about this topic.
“We’re going to get through this, and we’re going find other alternatives to really look at what’s best and safest for Springboro students,” said Petrey, who had commented Wednesday that he had no intention at this time to arm Springboro teachers. “A lot of our teachers have pause about (carrying guns).”
The crowd of close to 500 also had mixed reactions on the idea of allowing teachers to carry guns into schools and whether it would provide a safer environment.
Stephanie Bindemann, the mother of two Springboro elementary students, said before the meeting that the safety of her children is her No. 1 priority and that she doesn’t think the district should act rashly on this issue.
“I’m a retired Air Force officer and I wouldn’t be comfortable carrying a gun in the school,” she said. “I don’t want people with guns in school that have only gone through an eight-hour concealed carry class. If they had to use these guns, it would be around kids and under lots of stress.”
Matt Hougan, a parent and former law enforcement officer, said he was in favor of arming teachers and of allowing anyone who has a concealed carry permit on school campuses.
“We protect our money with guns, why don’t we protect our kids with guns?” Hougan asked. “If I’m a law-abiding citizen, I should be able to carry a weapon onto school grounds.”
Bindemann and fellow parent David Bowman said they thought the timing of this conversation was intended to distract from the conversion charter school topic, which also was on Thursday’s agenda and will be the subject of an article in Saturday’s Dayton Daily News.
“This is another attempt by the Springboro Board of Education to divide our community and dismantle our schools,” Bowman said. “Guns are a polarizing, hot-button issue, and the board has chosen to raise this issue at a time when the community is united against them regarding the conversion charter school.”
School board member Don Miller asked to be on the policy committee regarding arming teachers with Rigano to look into this issue further, and to ensure all parties know the district’s emergency plan.
“Do we want to have this concealed carry (policy), do we want more resource officers?” Miller asked. “I don’t know if we go from zero to 100, but I want to be a part of that committee.”
Board president Kelly Kohls said the board had received letters regarding this topic, which she said seemed to be split down the middle.
Rigano said he just wants to have the conversation to see if it will work for Springboro schools.
“Right now these mass shootings are occurring in gun-free zones. We have one (school resource) officer in six buildings; he can’t be everywhere,” he said. “We need more good guys with guns. That’s the sad reality of the situation.”
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