Delaware State Senator Eric Buckson has introduced Senate Bill 304, also known as the “Safe Schools Sentry Act,” which would allow private schools to authorize trained employees to carry firearms on campus. The bill, assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 6, 2026, aims to provide smaller private institutions with a more affordable security alternative to full-time school resource officers (SROs).
DOVER, DE — As the national conversation on school safety continues to evolve, Delaware lawmakers are considering a significant shift in how private schools protect their students. On May 6, 2026, Senate Bill 304 was officially introduced and assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee, proposing a new category of campus security: the “Sentry”.
The primary sponsor, Senator Eric Buckson (R), argues that many of Delaware’s smaller private schools are currently “soft targets” because they lack the budget for a dedicated police officer or constable. While public schools benefit from state-funded security, Buckson notes that private institutions are often left vulnerable unless they can self-fund professional protection.
What is a “Sentry”?
Under SB 304, a sentry would be a designated private school employee authorized by their administration to carry a firearm or projectile weapon. This role is not a casual one; the bill mandates rigorous state-level oversight:
- Training Requirements: Sentries must complete firearm, active threat response, and school security training through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA).
- Credentials: Participants must hold a valid Delaware concealed carry permit or possess qualifying law enforcement credentials.
- Scope: The exemption applies strictly to private school property, aiming to “match fire with fire” in the event of an active threat.
Transparency and Local Control
The bill has sparked a mix of cautious support and concern among parents and grandparents. Kevin Charles, whose grandchildren attend local private schools, emphasized that if guns are in schools, “transparency would be critical”. He noted that parents have a right to know if their child’s school has authorized armed staff on campus.
Senator Buckson clarifies that the bill is not a mandate; rather, it provides a “narrowly tailored option” for schools to implement as they see fit. By allowing existing staff to serve as sentries, schools could bypass the high costs of hiring full-time SROs while still maintaining a tactical deterrent.
Safety Tip: The “Safe Schools Sentry Act” highlights a growing trend of “multi-layered” school defense. If this bill passes, private schools will join a growing list of institutions across the country that empower staff to be the first line of defense. For parents, the key takeaway is the importance of a “Holistic Safety Plan.” Armed sentries are a final layer, but they should be supported by physical hardening (locked doors, reinforced glass) and psychological training for students and staff. If your school chooses to adopt a sentry program, ensure they are conducting “Force-on-Force” drills that mimic the high-stress environment of a school hallway. True protection comes from the marriage of high-level training and immediate access to a defensive tool.