School board considers open carry for armed marshals

In a recent meeting, the Waxahachie Independent School District (WISD) board discussed a significant amendment to their school marshal resolution, which would authorize school marshals to openly carry firearms on duty. This proposal comes in response to a ruling from the Texas Attorney General, which confirmed that school districts have the authority to permit open carry for school marshals.

The discussion highlighted WISD's longstanding commitment to campus safety, with armed security already present at every school for the past six years, predating legislative requirements. The board emphasized that the visibility of armed security would enhance safety and provide clarity during potential crises, making it easier for law enforcement to identify authorized personnel.

The amendment to the existing resolution, originally approved in 2018, primarily involves the shift from concealed carry to open carry for school marshals. The district has collaborated with the Waxahachie Police Department to ensure that all marshals receive adequate training for this transition. The board assured that if the police department is not satisfied with the training levels by the start of the school year, the implementation of open carry would be postponed until all safety measures are confirmed.

The board's decision is expected to bolster community confidence in school safety protocols, as parents and students will have a clearer understanding of the security measures in place. The resolution is set to be voted on in the upcoming meeting, with district officials prepared to communicate the changes to the community if approved.