Pocatello school board votes to allow police gun safes in schools

On Wednesday night, the District 25 school board voted to support a police plan that would bring more firearms into area schools.

The Pocatello Police Department asked for permission to set up gun safes in the offices of school resource officers.

Inside the safes, the school resource officers would secure their service rifles as well as lock-up any evidence collected during the day.

During the Wednesday meeting, members of the public gave their comments on the proposal.

And school district staff said they had sought feedback from local educators and school administration.

“Obviously our No. 1 concern is school safety. And we work hard to have nurturing environments that are free of negative behavior,” District 25 Superintendent Mary Vagner said.

In the resolution supporting the gun safe plan, the school board also vowed to not move toward arming school staff.