Ohio school district votes to allow teachers, staff to carry weapons

Butler County Sheriff Deputies stand on the scene at Madison Local Schools in Madison Township in Butler County after a February 2016 school shooting.
Butler County Sheriff Deputies stand on the scene at Madison Local Schools in Madison Township in Butler County after a February 2016 school shooting. Cara Owsley — The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP

By The Associated Press

HAMILTON >> A school board at a southwest Ohio district where a student shot and wounded two classmates has voted to allow teachers and staff to carry weapons.

WLWT-TV reports the Madison Local School District board voted unanimously Tuesday to allow employees to “defend and protect students.”

James Austin Hancock was 14 when he opened fire at Madison Junior-Senior High School in February 2016. Two students were wounded and two others were injured in the ensuing melee.

The new policy says staff members who wish to carry a firearm must receive written authorization from the superintendent, have a concealed carry permit and undergo active shooter training.

School district officials haven’t said when the policy will be implemented.

The Madison schools are north of Cincinnati in Butler County.

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