DEAR EDITOR:

We are fully aware of the growing concern for school safety against shootings. Schools are becoming one of the most targeted areas due to being gun-free zones. No one on the property is allowed to carry a firearm, regardless of their training except the police officer who sits at the front desk. One person is in charge to cover and protect the entire school against a shooter that can be anywhere in the building.

A change is needed, and it starts with who may or may not be allowed to carry a firearm.

Teachers throughout the school should be allowed the right to carry a firearm for protection of themselves and, more importantly, the students in their class. This right needs to involve detailed training, extensive background checks and also psychiatric testing to confirm these individuals are suitable for that responsibility.

Now, this should not be mandatory, but it certainly should be allowed for the protection and safety of our children. These mentally insane individuals are targeting schools because they have to get past one person at the front door, and then the devastation is up to them. With teachers carrying guns, the shooter will be able to be apprehended much sooner if a gun is pointed back at them and save a lot of innocent lives.

According to the National Rifle Association, there are over 95 percent less shootings in gun-friendly zones than gun-free zones. This information persuaded lawmakers in Florida to make it legal for a teacher to carry a firearm at school. Coupled with testing previously stated in this letter, teachers having the right to carry firearms is a very strong form of protection and definitely can be regulated and implemented in schools in this area.

RYAN KOWALIK

Austintown