Some Ohio schools get shields in response to gun violence

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (AP) — Some Ohio school districts are getting ballistic shields in attempts to better protect students and staff from violent attacks.

The Columbus Dispatch reports Union County school officials showed overwhelming interest when that county's prosecutor asked them about supplying schools with the 10-pound shields.

Union County Prosecutor David Phillips says he spent $14,000 from his office's drug seizure and forfeiture funds to purchase 20 shields for schools in the area northwest of Columbus.

Assistant Superintendent Jonathan Langhals says the shields will "provide an extra sense of safety and a little more confidence" at Marysville Exempted Village Schools, where he works. The district received 10 shields.

Acting Superintendent David Baits said staff at Fairbanks Local School District could use the 18-by-20-inch panels to maybe push assailants away while protecting themselves from gunfire.

Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com