As communities look to make their schools safer, a Wisconsin state lawmaker announces a plan that's raising plenty of eyebrows. Representative Frank Lasee wants to make it legal for teachers and other staff to carry guns.

The Republican realizes his proposal is extreme. But, he says it's a concept that has worked well in other countries, like Israel and Thailand, so why not Wisconsin?

Lasee came up with the idea following the recent string of school shootings.

"When you can make someone think twice about doing something like that or be very concerned about 'Gee, I don't know what classroom is going to have someone who's armed and who may return fire' I think that's a good thing," says Lasee.

"I'm just thinking this is not a reasonable, workable idea," says William Reis.

The superintendent of the Middleton–Cross Plains School District says police liaison officers patrol the school buildings, which is common in many larger districts.

Reis says if given the option, he will not carry a gun. In his opinion, that's only asking for more trouble.

"This is something that is best left to weapons in schools by law enforcement people who have extensive training," says Reis.

"There's going to be people who think this is a terrible idea. Anytime you have a big idea like this you're going to have those who agree and disagree with it," acknowledges Lasee.

Under his proposal, no one would be required to carry a weapon, but those who want to would get extensive training.

Lasee is from Bellevue, near Green Bay, where an attack on a school was recently prevented.

"If it can happen in my hometown area, it can happen anywhere," he says.

Lasee plans to introduce the bill at the start of next year's session.
He says so far he's gotten mixed reviews from his constituents.

Other school districts, including Madison, are not commenting about Lasee's idea.