The Cardinal School Board of Education approved a motion to allow certified staff to possess firearms on school property by a 4-1 vote at the most recent Board of Education meeting on Jan. 14.
Board members were not available for comment, but Superintendent Jack Cunningham sent a district statement to The Weekly Villager. Cunningham acknowledged the significance of the Board of Education’s decision to permit certified staff to carry firearms on campus.
“This action was taken following discussion at district safety and facilities committee meetings over the last few months and consultation with district legal counsel regarding recent changes to the Ohio Revised Code,” Cunningham said in his statement.
He added that the Board’s decision to allow firearm usage on campus would have no bearing on the School District’s relationship with the Middlefield Village Police Department.
“We remain extremely appreciative of their ongoing collaboration and support,” Cunningham added in his statement.
In an email to The Villager, Cunningham added that he was unaware if Cardinal was the first school district in Geauga County to approve the use of firearms on school property or whether other Geauga School Districts would follow in Cardinal’s footsteps.
Cunningham also laid out several factors that guided the Board’s decision in his statement, such as the absence of school resource officers in district buildings and the desire to provide an additional layer of security.
“In emergency situations, even a few minutes can be critical if law enforcement is not immediately on site,” per Cunningham’s statement.
Cunningham offered assurances that only employees who met extensive requirements including specialized training would be permitted to carry a firearm on school campus and that the screening process would be ongoing.
“Authorized employees are required to complete annual follow-up training to maintain certification and must comply with strict rules governing concealment, possession, and use,” per Cunningham in his official statement. “Firearms may only be drawn in the event of an imminent threat where a life is in immediate danger. Firearms and ammunition may not be stored on school property.”
In addition, Cunningham also stressed the need for the certified personnel who would be carrying these firearms to have their identities concealed for safety, privacy and security reasons.
“The Board has granted the Superintendent sole authority to approve, suspend, or revoke authorization at any time,” Cunningham said in the final part of the district statement. “The district remains committed to transparency, legal compliance, and, above all, the health and safety of students and staff.”
