The four newcomers vying for two Gwinnett County board of education seats were like-minded on most issues during the only candidate forum dedicated exclusively to those races. But when they differed, the crowd of about 100 voiced their concerns. Not surprisingly, a question about arming teachers elicited the shortest responses from most of the candidates and some of the strongest audience reaction.
Sponsored by Gwinnett SToPP, a local nonprofit grassroots organization, in alliance with the Gwinnett County Human Relations Commission, the event took place Tuesday evening at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. Republican Steve Knudsen is running against Democrat Wandy Taylor for the District 2 seat and Democrat Everton Blair is running against Republican Chuck Studebaker for the District 4 seat. The current board members, Daniel Seckinger, District 2 and Robert McClure, District 4 aren't running for re-election.
Question: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos wants to allow schools to use federal funds to arm teachers. Is this a likely policy for Gwinnett County Schools? Should it come up would you support it?
"No and no," said Blair.
"Absolutely not," said Taylor.
"Nope," said Studebaker.
But Knudsen wasn't as succint. He said the measure won't pass in the current climate, but he wouldn't rule it out "down the road."
Return to AJC.com for more about the forum.
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