Elementary school "Watchdog" program

[jmra]

I know Spring Branch ISD has required background checks for as long as I can remember for any volunteer activities. I would imagine all public schools and probably most private schools are the same. Can't take a chance on letting a fox loose in the henhouse.

Our school (I would assume most schools) scans your DL when you walk thru the front door. Don't know what all it checks but it comes back with a yea or nay.
I do know all volunteers go thru some type of background check.

[Mustangtexas]

I don't believe you could carry inside the school even if the principal said yes. You would be violating state law and a principal saying yes can't change that.

[jmra]

I don't believe you could carry inside the school even if the principal said yes. You would be violating state law and a principal saying yes can't change that.

Not exactly.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-school-d ... gle.com%2F
This is just one of a number of Texas ISDs that allow approved CHL holders to carry in schools.

[Mustangtexas]

I don't believe you could carry inside the school even if the principal said yes. You would be violating state law and a principal saying yes can't change that.

Not exactly.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-school-d ... gle.com%2F
This is just one of a number of Texas ISDs that allow approved CHL holders to carry in schools.

Your right. Those instances are by vote of the school board directed at employees of the district. I was referring to a principal telling the regular guy it's OK.

[jmra]

I don't believe you could carry inside the school even if the principal said yes. You would be violating state law and a principal saying yes can't change that.

Not exactly.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-school-d ... gle.com%2F
This is just one of a number of Texas ISDs that allow approved CHL holders to carry in schools.

Your right. Those instances are by vote of the school board directed at employees of the district. I was referring to a principal telling the regular guy it's OK.

Not exactly. Here is what the law states:

PC §46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a f irearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05(a):
(1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, any grounds or building on w hich an activity sponsored by a s chool or educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a s chool or educational institution, whether the school or educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution;

The key words here are "written authorization of the institution". Who has authority to speak for the institution? This is not defined in the law.
To my knowledge the ISDs that have publicly announced that they are allowing Carry at their schools have gone through the school board to develop written regulations. However, written authorization could without doubt come directly from a Superintendent without action from the board. This might not be the smartest move by the Super but still legal.
Moving down the ladder becomes a little more controversial. Does the "institution" refer to the ISD or the campus in question? The legal answer to this question (probably not yet established by the courts) would determine if a principal could authorize a CHL to carry on campus. There are those that believe that a principal who has responsibility for an entire facility does in fact speak for the institution when administrating the activities of his or her subordinates.

[trentwhite778]

Congrats, fellow Watch D.O.G! I've been doing it for 3 years now (my son is in 2nd grade) and I love it. You may find that you'll be doing less perimeter checking than you think. The teachers and staff are usually so overwhelmed that they are really excited to have you and will put you to work, anywhere from helping with the class, to giving one on one attention to kids who need extra help or who need a good male role model, to sharpening pencils for hours!
It's a blast and the kids will swarm around you like you wouldn't believe. Recess will easily replace your daily workout. You'll go home tired and happy.
Good luck!

[Grdollaway]

Definitely a great program. At my school the interaction between the children and the adult is the most valued. Very little time is spent securing the perimeter. They give me a timed agenda when I enter which allows me to assist in both child's classes along with physical education and the library. A full days work which I love every minute of. I have seen great value from the involvement of me in their school. My kids love it and I get to know the teachers and the staff. Involvement in a child's life is priceless and helps strengthen that family bond.