Columbus, Ohio – More than 110 Ohio school districts and independent schools have staff members authorized to carry firearms on school grounds, according to the Ohio School Safety Center.
The Ohio Capital Journal reported that, as of June 17, 116 districts and schools had armed staff members. The total includes more than 70 public school districts and 15 Christian schools, with many located in rural areas but some in suburban and urban communities.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 99 in 2022, allowing local school boards to decide whether staff can carry weapons. The law reduced required training from about 700 hours to at least 24 hours, though districts may require more.
Supporters say armed staff can help protect students when law enforcement response times are long, especially in rural districts. Antwerp Local Schools Superintendent Marty Miller said his district wanted a faster response option if an attacker entered the school.
Critics, including the Ohio Federation of Teachers, argue 24 hours is not enough training for high-stress emergencies and say teachers should focus on educating students.
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