The Wake schools policy committee is moving forward with plans that could allow hunter safety classes and rifle club activities.

"Let's figure out how to make it work safely and address curriculum piece so that it is covered" said Danny Barnes, chief area superintendent.

According to Ann Majestic, school attorney, "Safety questions came up in context of a tournament that a student at East Wake High school was prohibited from attending. It can reasonably be assumed tournaments have safety parameters in place. The greater concern should be activities that lead up to this. There are no guidelines in place."

In March, Robert Lumley, an East Wake high school student, was prevented from participating in a statewide tournament sponsored by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Lumley's principal, with support from Barnes, stopped the team from participating.

Staff did a review of current curriculum and found the required 10 hours of safety classes is given during a level two environmental science class. This means that participants of extra-curricular clubs were most likely not having the safety classes they needed.

Additional concerns included insurance needs for the students. "We are in the process of getting insurance carrier in place to get their parameters to provide insurance for this," said Majestic. "It's important that we not be informal about settings for practice, supervision, and trainings. Up until now it's been an informal process."

"Fortunately, we haven't had any accidents and need to move forward to see how it can be allowed," said Patti Head, school board member.

The group will learn more about insurance possibilities and curriculum aspects at the next policy meeting that will be held on June 10.