Big Horn County School District #3
Staff Concealed Carry Policy
Policy Number:
Adopted:
Reviewed:
1. Purpose
Pursuant to Wyoming Statute § 6-8-105 and House Bill 172 (2025), this policy establishes the
conditions under which designated 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
• 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: A biometric box must be secured in a location that only the staff
member has access or on the person concealed.
• Local Law Enforcement: Any law officer employed by the district, county, or local
municipality.
• Allowable Ammunition- Only FBI standard ammunition will be allowed.
3. Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for authorization under this policy, an individual must:
• Be a current employee or designated volunteer in good standing.
• Possess a valid Wyoming concealed carry permit.
• Complete an updated background check.
• Submit an application including justification for participation and firearm details (make,
model, serial number, caliber, and holster type).
• Applications must be picked up from the Superintendent.
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.
• Topics must include: 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.
• Annual requalification on firearm proficiency.
All training must be conducted by instructors approved by local law enforcement and meet the
instructor qualification standards below.
Cost for Training
• The employee is responsible for the cost of the training.
• Employee will turn in receipts to the school district
• The school district will turn in the receipts to the WDE for reimbursement, subject funds
availability from the Wyoming Department of Education.
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.
• Be preapproved by school Superintendent.
6. Carrying and Storage of Firearms
• Firearms must be on the authorized individual’s person or in a locked, concealed
biometric container or lock box that is secured under direct control.
• Only handguns and FBI-standard ammunition are permitted.
• Open carry is strictly prohibited on District property.
• Firearms and biometric boxes 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.
• All authorized individuals must sign a confidentiality agreement.
• The Superintendent will notify the following groups of approved applications:
o Local law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction.
o Relevant school administrators.
o Parents and guardians (general notification only, not identifying individuals).
• Any breach of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action, including termination.
9. Revocation, Suspension, and Withdrawal
Authorization to carry a concealed firearm under this policy may be:
• Immediately suspended if training, permit, conduct, or policy requirements are violated.
• Voluntarily withdrawn by submitting written notice to the Superintendent.
10. Compliance and Disciplinary Action
• Any employee or volunteer who fails to comply with this policy 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 authorized individuals,
their permits, training records, evaluations, and approvals.
• 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
• 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.
13. Firearm Safety
• Students will have the opportunity to learn about gun safety.
• Staff will have access to general firearm safety.
• The district will provide families with information regarding firearm safety.