Mat-Su weighs teacher concealed carry policy

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) is moving forward with a controversial proposal that would become the first in Alaska to pay teachers, staff, and contractors to carry concealed handguns during the school day.

The MSBSD school board is reviewing a major revision to Board Policy 3515, which aims to create a voluntary "School Security Personnel" program.

Policy Highlights & Security Requirements.

Under the draft policy, authorized employees would receive a stipend to carry concealed firearms. To qualify, staff must undergo:

--Psychological and physical evaluations

--Random drug and alcohol testing

--Annual training involving active-shooter drills, tactical training, and trauma response.

Former Deputy U.S. Marshal Kevin Gwyn, a principal firearms and tactics instructor, supported the policy but urged the MSBSD to address critical operational gaps before implementation. Specifically, he questioned whether an armed individual’s priority should be protecting students in the classroom or neutralizing the threat. Gwyn also warned that some volunteers might join for the "cool factor" of carrying a weapon, emphasizing the need for rigorous personnel vetting and comprehensive liability coverage. "In the unfortunate event somebody has to press a trigger," Gwyn cautioned, "I guarantee legal is going to be all over you."

Measured Support

Presenting the proposal, Deputy Superintendent Katie Gardner explained that the policy provides a legal framework, with specific implementation details still to be finalized by the administration. She outlined initial setup costs for 150 staff, totaling $150,000 for insurance, $80,000 for a consultant, and $50,000 for training. Gardner also highlighted stakeholder feedback, which weighed benefits such as increased protection against concerns regarding safety risks and legal requirements in Alaska.

Member Brooks Pitcher, who supports the measure, acknowledged the sensitive nature of the policy and that it can be emotional for both sides, and that no one wants to see a tragedy occur in the schools, and that the policy change is a means to prevent tragedies. “We all want to hope that there’s a way that we could just keep that from happening, that it’s not real.”

MSBSD school board Vice President Andrew Shane called for urgent security reforms, warning that local schools are as vulnerable to shootings as any other community. Shane pointed to armed guards at banks as proof of effective deterrence and urged the district to spearhead proactive security updates. “I believe that we here in the Mat-Su School District can spearhead making a change that needs to happen.”

Opposition and Budget Concerns

The proposal has sparked intense community debate. During the May 6 school board meeting, public testimony raised concerns about the high cost of the program, which is estimated to have an ongoing cost of over $560,000, along with one-time start-up costs. Many question the timing and prioritizing this policy change program when facing a massive budget deficit.

“Why are we even considering a controversial choice like this?” asked Paul Leherman, who testified that the district cannot afford to lose students, parents and staff who may leave the district if the policy is adopted, and the money they bring to the school district. He said if the policy is implemented, he will withdraw his children from the district.

Justin LaCross, President of the Mat-Su Education Association (MSEA), which represents over 1,200–1,300 educators in the MSBSD, told the board that 79% of their members opposed this policy. While emphasizing that the MSEA prioritizes school safety, he said there are concerns that increasing access to weapons—even when stored in lockboxes—poses a significant risk.

Veteran law enforcement Officer James Paradisio said he does not believe the policy would improve school safety, but rather introduces new risks while placing additional strain on an overwhelmed school district, pointing out the $3M budget deficit, looming school closures, and temporary funding that restored 15 school nurses from layoffs, and the recent bus strike. “Yet in the middle of this we’re now considering a new program that will require $696, 224 of initial funding with a continued annual fiscal commitment? That raises serious questions. Why are we prioritizing a new and unapproved initiative when we’re already unable to fully fund essential services?”

School Shootings in Alaska

The last targeted, active school shooting in Alaska took place on February 19, 1997, when 16-year-old Evan Ramsey carried out the Bethel Regional High School shooting, killing two people and wounding two others.

Under Alaska State Law, it is illegal to carry a firearm—openly or concealed—on any K-12 school property, parking lot, or school bus. However, state law allows individuals to carry a firearm on school grounds if they obtain explicit, written permission from the district's chief administrative officer.

Due to this administrative loophole, local districts can dictate their own security parameters. Per Alaska Statute 14.33.100, every public school must develop and maintain an active school crisis response plan. Schools must also conduct emergency drills to prepare students for localized hazards or active threats.

National Trends

As of early 2026, over 30 states have laws or policies that allow teachers or school staff to carry guns on K-12 school grounds, though policies vary significantly regarding training and school district approval. Most policies generally allow staff to carry concealed firearms to enhance school safety, particularly in rural or understaffed districts.

Among all states with armed teacher programs, Texas consistently records the highest volume of total school shooting incidents in the nation. Texas consistently leads national databases (like the K-12 School Shooting Database) in raw historical volume of school gun violence incidents. According to tracking metrics from Ammo.com, Texas has recorded 2 targeted mass school shootings just within the timeframe since its armed staff laws were established, alongside dozens of broader firearm incidents.

A 2024 attempt to arm school staff in Alaska fell short as the Legislature failed to pass the "Safe Schools Act" (SB 173). Had it passed, the legislation would have required schools to train and approve volunteers and staff to carry concealed handguns on school grounds, similar to proposed policy changes by the MSBSD. The initiative required participants to hold a concealed carry permit, pass specialized tactical training, and submit to background checks, with school districts picking up the tab for training costs.

The bill stalled in committee, with a motion to discharge it failing on May 3, 2024.

Next Steps

The school board stopped short of a final vote, demanding more rigorous, defined, and better-structured safety expectations. But the school board plans to continue discussions with law enforcement agencies like the Alaska State Troopers regarding the policy.