(Radio Iowa) – The Cherokee Community School Board has voted to let select staff members carry firearms on school grounds. The school board’s president says the policy is a response to active shooter situations around the country. Superintendent Kim Lingenfelter spoke with K-T-I-V television:

“We were approached by staff that wanted to carry, that carry a gun competently wherever they go except for school and that’s how our conversation began and they asked that we bring it to the board,” she said. “Then conversation began with law enforcement officials — the chief of police, our school resource officer.”

Those approved to carry a weapon in Cherokee schools will have to undergo training and the Cherokee Police Department will determine which staff members qualify. The Spirit Lake school district passed a similar measure in August. Its plan involves ten anonymous staff members who carry concealed guns on school grounds, but none of them are teachers.