The community of Claude, TX definitely has an idea of how to effectively deter potential shooters from their schools using signs.

Following the school board decision to allow conceal carry on campus, all school buildings in the district have been adorned with signs bearing a bold red statement that says:

“ATTENTION: PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE STAFF AT CLAUDE ISD IS ARMED AND MAY USE WHATEVER FORCE NECESSARY TO PROTECT OUR STUDENTS.”

“Any employee at Claude ISD, any teacher, I feel firmly they would give their life to save a child. Our job is to make sure the kids are safe, that they are comfortable and secure,” Superintendent Jeff Byrd said. He also compared the new signs to ‘Beware of Dog’ and home security signs that serve as deterrents, not threats.

“Statistics will show that most of the shootings that have occurred in public school have been some what a copycat situation,” Byrd said. “The goal of the perpetrators is to out-do the last shooting and statistics have shown people with warning signs are being proactive and preventative, the only reason the sign is there is to prevent somebody from coming in.”

The small town of Claude does not have a dedicated police department, and although the Claude ISD has security cameras throughout school buildings and a lock down system at the elementary school, Byrd says armed staff would play a critical role in the event of an active shooter situation.

“If there were a perpetrator that entered our building we would be able to hold of the building until the professionals got here,” Byrd said.

What’s more effective than posting signs claiming a school is a Gun-Free Zone?

Signs proclaiming the school is a gun zone.