Paris, Tenn.—School safety was the main topic at the Henry County Schools board of education meeting tonight, with board members hearing a presentation from Sheriff Monte Belew and Chief Deputy Damon Lowe.
Belew told board members that State Rep. Tim Wirgau is working on a bill to arm teachers and that the sheriff’s office supports “arming a few trained, select, proficient and inclined teachers and administrators in each school.”
He said the sheriff’s office could provide the training as the new bill may require.
Belew said there is a need for a second SRO at the high school and noted that reserve deputies could serve a minimum of eight hours at the schools.
Belew also offered other thoughts and possible solutions for safer schools, which would include enhanced grounds security and available programs such as Stop It (phone app) and the Identi-Kid program.
Board members will be considering proposals and Belew indicated the sheriff’s office would support whatever they decide.
The Paris Special Schools District board will be holding a special school safety workshop at 6:30 p.m. Monday and Belew will be making a presentation there. That meeting will be held at the PSSD central office.
Photo: Sheriff Monte Belew, Chief Deputy Damon Lowe make school safety presentation to school board. (Susan Burton photo).
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