Carrying in a public school "after hours"

[Ruark]

My wife and I sometimes teach evening classes in Adult Education as part of a community education program. The building we teach in is own by the local public school district and serves as an alternative education classroom building during the daytime, for students with various specific learning difficulties.

In the evening, though, of course there are no kids or teachers there, just us community ed people. Often, the building is COMPLETELY deserted - and the ONLY people in the building will be, for example, my wife and her 4 or 5 Pharmacy Tech students, the classroom being the first one in the front door. They run until after 9 pm, sometimes 10. This makes me nervous, for obvious reasons. Any armed nut could just walk in there and slaughter them like sheep.

I'm assuming that because it's a "public school," it's illegal to CCW there with a CHL, even though it's at night and nobody's there (no kids, teachers, staff, etc.). Could I possibly be wrong?

[RX8er]

My wife and I sometimes teach evening classes in Adult Education as part of a community education program. The building we teach in is own by the local public school district and serves as an alternative education classroom building during the daytime, for students with various specific learning difficulties.

In the evening, though, of course there are no kids or teachers there, just us community ed people. Often, the building is COMPLETELY deserted - and the ONLY people in the building will be, for example, my wife and her 4 or 5 Pharmacy Tech students, the classroom being the first one in the front door. They run until after 9 pm, sometimes 10. This makes me nervous, for obvious reasons. Any armed nut could just walk in there and slaughter them like sheep.

I'm assuming that because it's a "public school," it's illegal to CCW there with a CHL, even though it's at night and nobody's there (no kids, teachers, staff, etc.). Could I possibly be wrong?

No, you are not wrong. It is a school and you can NOT carry unless you have written permission from a school administrator to do so.

[TexasCajun]

As of right now, carry on school grounds is forbidden irrespective of the hour. Maybe in 2015.....

You could approach the principle or the school board (not sure which) and ask for permission. I would use Charles Cotton's TFC article in favor of HB 3218 as a basis.

[jmra]

As of right now, carry on school grounds is forbidden irrespective of the hour. Maybe in 2015.....

You could approach the principle or the school board (not sure which) and ask for permission.

Good luck with that one. Better odds playing the loto.

[TexasCajun]

The failure rate of those who don't try is 100%. In this case, the OP will lose nothing in the asking since the prohibition is currently in place and enforceable through criminal penalty.

[jmra]

The failure rate of those who don't try is 100%. In this case, the OP will lose nothing in the asking since the prohibition is currently in place and enforceable through criminal penalty.

Didn't say he shouldn't ask, just that he should understand the odds going in.
OTOH, I would make the argument that his inquiry could result in the loss of use of the facilities if the Admin or school board are antigun. I would research them well before making such a request.

[nightmare69]

They don't lock all outside doors after hours? I would just wait for them at the front door armed and walk them out, would not go inside. Nothing illegal doing that.

[MeMelYup]

Ask in writing to the principal with a RBI. Keep a copy. If they refuse it is ammo for the future.

[RottenApple]

As of right now, carry on school grounds is forbidden irrespective of the hour. Maybe in 2015.....
L

Minor correction..... Carry on school grounds is perfectly legal with a TX CHL. Carry on school premises is prohibited without permission from someone in authority of the institution. I'm sure that's what you meant, but wanted to clarify for the sake of new folks who might not know.

[TexasCajun]

As of right now, carry on school grounds is forbidden irrespective of the hour. Maybe in 2015.....
L

Minor correction..... Carry on school grounds is perfectly legal with a TX CHL. Carry on school premises is prohibited without permission from someone in authority of the institution. I'm sure that's what you meant, but wanted to clarify for the sake of new folks who might not know.

'tis true. Meant to say carrying within the building is currently of limits.

[CC Italian]

Ruark- JMRA is more then likely correct in my experience. Like others have said you could ask but I can tell you that in the district I work for a principal wouldn't even make this decision. Only a superintendent would. The answer would be no from any principal in my district and honestly the superintendent or assistant superintendent would say no. That is the districts policy 100%. You would need to get the school board involved for anything to happen imo. Of course I work in a very large school district with over 50 schools last time I counted. Does this district have a dedicated police force? If so you could request or ask that an officer be present on campus and or that all doors are locked once class starts.

I know this isn't what you want to hear but these are just some options. If you have a dedicated police force use it! In my district their are officers on duty 24/7 but like I said it is a very large district.