BIG HORN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT #3
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT NEW RULES
FOR EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS
WHO CONCEAL CARRY FIREARMS
Pursuant to W.S. 56-8-105(f) and 516-3-103, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of Big Horn County School District #3 ("District") will consider taking action to adopt of new rules and regulations at a meeting of the Board of Trustees on September 9, 2025 at 7p.m., in the Board Room, 640 8th Ave. North, Greybull, Wyoming, 82426. The proposed rules establish requirements and conditions for employees and volunteers of the District who carry concealed firearms while on District property for the purpose of protecting students and staff of the District. The proposed rules are new rules, authorized by W.S. 6-8-105(f). The proposed rules are posted online at the District's website grevbullschools.com and are available at the District's main office at 640 8th Ave. North, Greybull, Wyoming 82426.
The proposed rules establish requirements for District employees and volunteers who conceal carry firearms at school. The proposed rules:
-Require employees and volunteers who wish to conceal carry a firearm to possess a valid conceal carry permit issued by the State of Wyoming;
-Establish initial firearms training and annual re-training requirements for employees and volunteers who conceal carry firearms;
-Require employees and volunteers to maintain the firearm on their person or in a concealed biometric container or box within their direct control at all times;
-Establish ongoing training requirements, curricula and instructor qualifications for the persons training employees and volunteers; and prohibits open carry on school district property.
The principal reason and purpose for the proposed rules is to ensure that employees and volunteers who conceal carry firearms are trained and knowledgeable in the safe and proper use of firearms, including the use of firearms in live-fire scenarios. The proposed rules established by the Board meet the minimum substantive state statutory requirements.
The District has complied with W.S. 9-5-304, and determined that there are no constitutional implications as described by that law. Interested persons may obtain a copy of the assessment of the proposed rule pursuant to W.S. 9-5-304 at 640 8th Ave. North, Greybull, Wyoming 82426.
Interested parties may attend the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the District occurring at seven o'clock p.m. on the 9th day of September, 2025, in the Board Room, at 640 8th Ave. North, Greybull, Wyoming 82426, and present their views, comments, objections or requested changes to the proposed rules. The District will also receive public comments on the proposed rules at a public hearing on September 4, 2025, at 640 8th Ave. North, Greybull, Wyoming 82426. All interested persons may, in addition, submit data, views or objections orally or in writing to the District at the above meetings, or in writing at mfritz@bgh3.k12.wy.us prior to September 4, 2025. The Board of Trustees of the District intends to act on these rules at its meeting on September 9, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Mark Fritz
Superintendent
Big Horn County School District #3
Staff Concealed Carry Policy
Policy Number: CKA
Adopted: 8-12-2025
Reviewed:
PREAMBLE:
In 2025, the Wyoming State Legislature enacted the “Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act,” which allows Wyoming concealed carry permit holders to lawfully carry a concealed firearm on or in any property owned or leased by a School District. Absent rules and regulations prescribing specific training requirements, employees and volunteer of the School District are similarly allowed to carry of concealed firearm on school district property if they possess a valid Wyoming concealed carry permit.
Big Horn County School District #3 is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students, employees and visitors. The district does not require or request that employees or volunteers carry a concealed firearm on School District property as part of their duties. In an
effort, however, to ensure employees and volunteers who choose to conceal carry on School District property meet a minimum training requirements, and pursuant to W.S. 6-8-105(f), the Board of Trustees adopts these rules for employees and volunteers of the School District who choose to conceal carry firearms on or in property or facilities owned or leased by Big Horn School District #3, subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations prescribed by the state law and federal law and this rule.
1. Purpose
Pursuant to Wyoming Statute § 6-8-105 and House Bill 172 (2025), this policy establishes the conditions under which employees and volunteers of Big Horn County School District #3 may carry concealed firearms on or in property owned or operated by the District. The primary intent is to enhance school safety and protect students and staff from acts of violence, consistent with all applicable state and federal laws.
2. Definitions
• Students: All people from ages 4-20.
• Board: The Board of Trustees of Big Horn County School District #3. • Employee: Any individual employed by the District in any capacity, including certified, classified, or administrative positions.
• Volunteer: Any person who provides time, assistance, or support to the District or its students, whether regularly or occasionally, on school property or during school events. • Concealed Firearm: A handgun designed to expel a projectile by explosive means, carried in a manner not visible to the public, on the person or in a biometric lock box.
• School District Property: All real property, vehicles, buildings, and structures owned or leased by the District.
• Permit: A valid Wyoming concealed carry permit issued under W.S. 6-8-104(a)(ii).
• Direct Control: The weapon must be placed in an individualized biometric box that will be secured in a permanent location or concealed on the person.
• Local Law Enforcement: Any law officer employed by the district, county, or local municipality.
• Allowable Ammunition- New ammunition only, No reloads. No Armor-Piercing bullets, steel core bullets, or steel jacketed bullets.
• Imminent Risk: Shall mean a person who has demonstrated actions that would lead one to reasonably believe they pose a threat of death or serious bodily injury.
• Serious Bodily Injury: Shall mean an injury that creates substantial risk of death, long team loss, or impairment of the function of any body member or organ, or serious permanent disfigurement.
3. Eligibility Process
To be eligible for authorization under this policy, an individual must:
• Be a current employee or designated volunteer in good standing.
• Provide proof of a current, valid conceal carry permit issued by the State of Wyoming pursuant to W.S. 6-8-104(a)(ii).
• Submit proof of required training.
• Provide proof that the employee has completed the training required by these rules. Including the annual training requirements.
4. Required Training
Initial Training
Before receiving authorization, the applicant must complete:
• Minimum 16 hours of live-fire handgun training.
• Minimum 8 hours of scenario-based training using nonlethal firearms and ammunition. • The curriculum and training requirements must include the following: firearm fundamentals, firearm safety, defensive tactics, threat identification, judgment under stress, secure storage, holster options, trauma first aid, and relevant Wyoming laws.
Annual Recurrent Training
• Minimum 12 hours of training annually, including live-fire and updated scenario-based sessions.
• The curriculum and training requirements for the annual recurrent training shall include the same topics described above.
Cost for Training
• The employee is solely responsible for the cost of the training.
• The employee may turn in receipts for training to the School District. The School District may, but is not required to reimburse the employee for all or any part of the training expenses.
5. Instructor Qualifications
All instructors must:
• Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in law enforcement, military, or personal protection roles.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of handgun safety and tactical training. • Be certified in force-on-force and nonlethal scenario training.
6. Carrying and Storage of Firearms
• Firearms must be on the authorized individual’s person or in a locked, biometric container or lock box that is secured under direct control of the employee. • Only handguns are permitted.
• Open carry is strictly prohibited on District property.
• Firearms must never be left accessible to students.
7. Use of Firearm
• A firearm may only be discharged if the authorized individual reasonably perceives an imminent risk of death or serious bodily harm to themselves or others. Use of force must comply with all applicable state and federal laws.
• Any weapon taken out of the conceal carry holster except to place it in a biometric box will be reported to administration.
8. Confidentiality and Communication
• Authorized individuals’ identities shall remain confidential and exempt from public records requests.
• The Superintendent will notify the following groups of employees who are carrying concealed weapons.
o Local law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction.
o Relevant school administrators.
o Parents and guardians (general notification only, not identifying specific individuals).
• Any breach of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination or dismissal.
9. Revocation, Suspension, and Withdrawal
Authorization to carry a concealed firearm under this policy may be:
• Voluntarily withdrawn by submitting written notice to the Superintendent. • No employee or volunteer may conceal carry unless they have completed the requirements described in these rules. If an employee or volunteer completes the initial training requirements described above, and subsequently fails to complete the annual training requirements, or allows their concealed weapons permit to lapse, the employee shall not carry a concealed weapon on school property and shall inform the Superintendent that he or she is no longer carrying a concealed weapon.
10. Compliance and Disciplinary Action
• Any employee or volunteer who fails to comply with this policy, or any applicable law or regulation, or misuses a firearm will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination or removal from volunteer service.
• The authorized individual is personally responsible for adhering to all applicable state and federal laws governing firearm possession and use.
11. Oversight and Records
• The Superintendent shall maintain a secure, confidential file of all individuals carrying concealed firearms, their permits, and training records.
• This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Board.
• Training programs and protocols shall be updated in collaboration with local law enforcement.
12. Student Firearm Restrictions
• All students are prohibited from carrying, possessing, or transporting firearms on District property or at school-sponsored events.
• Violation of this provision will result in disciplinary action, including possible expulsion.
14. Limitations of This Rule:
• Any person who carries a firearm pursuant to this rule shall be responsible for complying with any and all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Nothing in this rule shall authorize a student enrolled in our School District to carry a firearm, concealed or otherwise, on School District property.
• Nothing in this rule shall prohibit an adult who is NOT an employee or volunteer of the School District from lawfully carrying a concealed weapon in accordance with W.S. 6-8- 105.
• Open carry is strictly prohibited on District Property.