Gov. Kay Ivey’s proposal to arm school principals is drawing mixed reactions from law enforcement and education leaders.

Ivey’s “School Sentry Program” would allow administrators in schools that do not have a law enforcement officer on campus to access a weapon kept in a fingerprint-controlled safe.

Principals or other administrators who pass required testing, qualify as sheriff’s deputies and have weapons permits would receive specially marked, bullet-proof vests to wear during a school shooting so police wouldn’t mistake them for a killer. Ivey’s office said the program is voluntary and school systems can decide whether to participate, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will oversee training.

Across Cullman County, the reaction to Ivey’s proposal is being met with caution.

Cullman County School Superintendent Shane Barnette said the local area is fortunate to have school resource officers on every campus, but he understands that some counties have been unable to afford the protection.

“That kind of surprised me,” Barnette said. “Lawmakers created the Safe committee and that was not one of the recommendations it made. We’re blessed to have SROs at our schools and the deputies who work with us and the sheriff are closely connected to our communities. People know them.”

Barnette said he is concerned that an additional person armed in the school could cause confusion during an active shooter situation, but he also said studying closer the governor’s proposal makes sense.

“We all know there is deep concern about keeping our students safe and our teachers and personnel,” Barnette said. “The training that officers and deputies have is consistent and they are always evaluating the best steps with us.”

Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper said there are educators in the area who are qualified and trustworthy to be armed, but he warned that many would not be reliable.

“That’s no offense, but law enforcement involves training and training and reviewing constantly,” Culpepper said. “We study what has happened in other areas and continue our training to be as prepared as we can.”

Culpepper said he would find merit in the governor’s plan only if carefully selected administrators were armed, with attention to their background whether it’s from military service or law enforcement experience.

“Probably the best aspect of what the governor is saying is that the knowledge of armed personnel in a school might make someone hesitate before attempting to do something,” he added.

Cullman City Schools Board of Education President Suzanne Harbin expressed caution over the proposal, noting that the city schools work closely with the police department.

“I’m grateful we have such a great relationship with Chief Culpepper and the police department officers,” Harbin said. “We have resource officers in every school and just recently added a second officer at the high school because of the size of the enrollment and campus.”

After 15 years on the school board, Harbin said concerns about school are always in the discussion.

“When I started on the board 15 years ago an active shooter situation was not a focus,” Harbin said. “Now, you have to discuss it and re-evaluate your safety steps.”