School Shootings and Principals\u27 Perception of Armed Personnel in an Education Setting

The purpose of this study was to explore the dilemma principals have in determining the best approach to provide safe environment for their students and faculty, while at the same time creating an environment that is conducive to education. The study looked at an urban school district with a marginalized community with low socioeconomic status as identified by the District Factor Group A. Twelve school principals were interviewed to gather information of their perceptions in relation to having armed personnel in their schools. The literature on school shootings and armed personnel in schools was reviewed. The literature consisted of peer-reviewed articles, federal and state laws, and books and articles depicting the current state of school shootings. Through the interviews conducted with the school principals, the study looked at the perception of the principals in regards to school safety, armed personnel, policies and procedures, mental health, communications between the stakeholders, and their concerns. The results of the study provided valuable information to the researcher to allow for recommendations for future research, policy, and practice