Schools, city leaders talk CCW

SPRINGBORO, Ohio (WDTN) - Words from school board member Jim Rigano has sparked quite a debate in the Springboro community.

"I think its about giving employees the opportunity to defend themselves.   In CT, six school employees died in that shooting," said Rigano.

Rigano will lead Thursday's discussion.  He told 2 NEWS he would like to develop a policy related to allowing school employees, who are also concealed permit holders, to carry in the schools.  Thursday's meeting will determine if other board members are open to the discussion.

Superintendent Todd Petrey's stance on allowing conceal permit holders to bring their weapon on school grounds was clear.

"Its never my intent and will never be my intent that all Springboro staff carry a weapon," said Petrey. 

The Superintendent said dozens of calls and e-mails have come into his office from parents and area residents

"From the emails I've received, our community is in favor that we are open minded to exploring other options;however, I can't say that I've received any emails in favor of the idea."

Springboro Chief of Police Jeff Kruithoff

"We feel there are just a lot of things that can be done as both a community, as a law enforcement community and as a school community in response to what happened in Sandy Hook," said Chief Kruithoff. 

The Chief said the department won't be taking a position on the issue, nor addressing the board simply because its not their decision to make.  He added the Warren County Chief's of Police Association is taking action in light of the Sandy Hook massacre.

"We are going to make sure that all the teachers are trained in that and we are going to go back through the training.  We are also going to make sure every police officer in the county has been updated in their training in response to an active shooter," said Chief Kruithoff. 

The Buckeye Firearm's Association is backing Rigano.  Southwest Regional Leader Joe Eaton believes Rigano's take on allowing school employees who are Ohio Concealed Handgun License holders to bring their weapon in schools is a step in the right direction

"We are making progress because we are discussing all of the options, we tried a lot of things in the past.  We need to look at what has not worked, put it out, move on to something else, keeping trying different things until we get to a closer solution to keep our teachers and our kids safe," said Joe Eaton. 

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Thursday in Springboro High's media center.

2News will have the latest for you on Dayton's CW at 10 and WDTN at 11p.m.