Jill Black named Gun Sense Candidate ahead of election

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — District 11’s representative for the Hamilton County School Board, Jill Black (D-Lookout Mountain), has been named a “Gun Sense Candidate” ahead of the school board election Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Black has spoken about her support to increase school safety funding.  This includes School Resource Officers (SROs) and School Safety Officers (SSOs).

However, Black has made it known that she is against HB 1202/SB 1321, allowing teachers to be armed in classrooms.

This policy has provided no direction for safely storing these firearms.

Due to security measures already in place, Black pitched a resolution to the board, supporting Hamilton County Director of Schools, Dr. Justin Robertson’s recommendation board not to implement this policy.

Ultimately, the school voted against Black’s resolution.

As a mother of two children in Hamilton County Schools, Black says she’s concerned.

“The state law allowing teachers to be armed without the need to alert anyone about it is concerning on a number of levels.  Teachers are under pressure as is – we should reduce the loads they carry on their shoulders, not add to it by charging them to be the safety officers in the classroom on top of everything else they have to do to educate our children.”

Black goes onto thank Moms Demand Action for naming her a Gun Sense Candidate, and that she’s proud to be one.