Park County School District 1's likely decision not to have a rule and policy mandating extra steps for school staff to carry concealed handguns is, in one sense, a sign of the quality of employees at the school district. 

The way I see it, what the school district is saying is they trust the teachers, staff and administrators that if they want to carry a concealed handgun as a way to help defend their students if the unimaginable happens, they'll do so with a high level of responsibility. 

As I wrote in a previous editorial, at this stage, adopting a policy to mandate training for teachers is only making it harder for teachers to carry a concealed handgun onto school property than it is for a community member. 

From what I've seen in my years having kids in the school system, the teachers will be at least as responsible with concealed carry as any member of this community. I see teachers who have pride in their work, love for this community and, most of all, love for the children they teach. 

Personally, I would have no qualms if any of the teachers I've met in this district were concealed carrying, as I've never worried about any other responsible community members carrying as I walk through town. 

Now, there are certainly people who misuse firearms, as the recent unfortunate accidental shooting in town displayed. However, I trust that the vast majority of gun owners are responsible gun owners, and especially those who have taken it upon themselves to concealed carry every day. 

The district is considering some kind of a policy that would spell out the responsibilities of an employee concealed carrying as is laid out in state statute, which could also provide optional training. 

I sincerely hope the district does do something to encourage training, such as offering to pay for training in the area, as a way to maximize the benefits of school employees concealed carrying. It would be yet another sign of just how well this district looks after its students.