A local educator who has been outspoken about arming teachers in an effort to keep schools safe was in Harrisburg as part of an informational hearing on Thursday.
Student safety has come to the forefront after the recent school shootings in Parkland, Florida, and one of the frequent topics has been allowing teachers to have guns in schools. A few years ago, Indiana High School Math Teacher Mark Zilinskas had brought the issue to the school board, saying he was in favor of arming teachers and would be willing to help the district towards those efforts. Yesterday, Zilinskas brought his message to Harrisburg for an informational hearing for the House Education Committee.
During the hearing, Pennsylvania School Boards Association President Michael Faccinetto said that the association opposes any state action that would mandate armed teachers in the classroom. He was joined in his message by the Pennsylvania Principals Association and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.
Zilinskas countered their argument saying there is interest in the Indiana High School, with 15-20 teachers of the 50 there already with a concealed carry permit, and some would be willing to take shooter training if necessary. And he even said that teachers who were not willing to carry a firearm themselves were in favor of armed staff in the classroom.
It should be noted that Zilinskas was offering his own opinions and no action has been taken yet on proposed legislation at the state level. The Indiana Area School District nor its Board of Directors have taken any action and they will continue to monitor activity in Harrisburg.
Zilnskas was joined by Superintendent Dr. David Helsel of the Blue Mountain School District in Schuylkill County, who said that his district has armed in-school personnel for years and he said that it worked for them.
While solutions may not have been presented at this hearing, it’s certain that this discussion is set to continue into the foreseeable future
