Homedale and Marsing districts consider allowing select trained staff to carry firearms during school hours

# What leaders are proposing Homedale and Marsing school districts in Owyhee County are exploring a voluntary program that would allow select staff to carry firearms on campus during school hours. The measure is being developed as an added layer of security aimed at deterring and delaying a potential threat until law enforcement can respond.

# Why the idea surfaced Homedale Superintendent Rob Sauer attended a presentation by Kimberly School District about its armed-staff program shortly after the In-N-Out shooting in Twin Falls. Sauer then discussed the approach with Marsing Superintendent Norm Stewart because both districts share many of the same local first responders during emergencies.

# Who could participate and what screening they would face Only staff members who already hold a concealed-carry permit would be eligible to volunteer. The districts plan additional screening and training that includes:

• A psychological exam
• A physical fitness test
• Extensive firearms training and range qualifications

If the districts follow Kimberly's model, participating staff would complete 40 hours of initial training. After the first year they would do 16 hours of training annually plus continued fitness and range work.

# How district leaders describe the role of armed staff Superintendents say armed staff would not replace police or other first responders. The program's stated purpose is to buy time during the initial minutes of an incident, which district leaders say is critical because first responders can take several minutes to arrive at a school during an active-shooter situation. Marsing Superintendent Norm Stewart summarized the aim as deterrence and delay.

# Community reaction reported

# Where the proposal stands now Both school boards have authorized district staff to continue researching the program and develop policies, procedures, and training plans. That does not mean the program has been approved. Any implementation would require formal school board approval, and officials have not announced a timeline or a final decision date.

# What families who want information can do District officials encourage families and community members with questions to contact their respective school district offices for updates or to raise concerns.

# Bottom line Homedale and Marsing are in the exploratory phase of a voluntary armed-staff program built around additional screening and training for staff who already carry concealed permits. The districts frame the plan as a temporary protective measure until law enforcement arrives, not as a substitute for professional first responders. No board approval or implementation timeline has been set.