May 23, 2019
At the June 19, 2019 School Board meeting, District 1 School Board member Dr. Steve Gallon III will propose Board Agenda item H-4, Opposition to arming teachers in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The Miami-Dade County Public Schools remains committed to ensuring the safety, security, and overall well-being of students, staff, and members of the community. In doing so, it adopts and implements various strategic and innovative safety and security measures and approaches that reflect both best practices and those required by law.
As is widely known, the issue of school safety and security has been elevated because of the tragedy that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Senior High School on February 14, 2018. Recently, the 2019 Legislature took action to amend provisions governing the implementation of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. One significant amendment related to a school district’s participation in the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program is to meet the requirement of establishing a safe-school officer. This provision would allow for individuals, including teachers, to serve as school guardians and therefore be armed.
“As a lifelong educator and one who strongly believes in the sanctity of the classroom, I vehemently oppose arming teachers in the classroom. Our position on this issue as a School Board must be communicated to our educational professionals, parents, and members of this community” Dr. Gallon stated.
Therefore, this item seeks to request that the School Board of Miami-Dade County, pursuant to the provisions of SB 7030 and law, publicly declare its position as policymakers and oppose the arming of teachers in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
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