Broadwater School Moved Recess Indoors
Officials restricted outdoor access due to a man carrying a rifle near the Billings school grounds.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Administration
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Broadwater School in Billings has moved student recess to indoor gymnasiums following recurring concerns over a local man, Gabriel Metcalf, who has carried a rifle on his lawn within view of the school for three years. School administrators implemented the safety measure to ensure student protection while operating under state open carry laws.
Why it matters
The school administration took these precautionary steps to prioritize student safety after ongoing encounters with the armed individual near campus. The situation highlights the tension between legal open carry rights in Montana and the desire for secure environments for children.
Gabriel Metcalf has held a rifle on his lawn within view of Broadwater School for three years. Montana state law currently permits the open carry of firearms.
The players
Gabriel Metcalf
He is a local resident who has openly carried a rifle on his lawn near Broadwater School for three years.
Rachel Cole
She serves as the principal of Broadwater School and has been involved in issuing safety communications to the community.
Erwin Garcia
He is the superintendent responsible for overseeing administrative safety decisions for the school district.
The details
Principal Rachel Cole and Superintendent Erwin Garcia issued safety notifications to parents regarding the change in school protocols. Staff members have restricted access to outdoor areas that remain in direct sight of Metcalf’s property to maintain a secure environment.
Timeline
March 2026: Gabriel Metcalf pleaded guilty to federal charges.
September 18, 2026: School officials sent safety notifications to parents.
Culture Shift
This situation underscores the complex interaction between the Montana open carry law and the evolving expectations for campus safety. It reflects a broader societal challenge where individual constitutional rights are balanced against community security concerns in shared public spaces.
Families with students at Broadwater School will see modified daily routines as children are redirected to indoor gymnasiums for recreation. Parents are advised to monitor official school communications for any further changes to outdoor campus activities.
The takeaway
Maintaining school safety often requires balancing local firearm laws with proactive administrative oversight. Parents and community members should remain engaged with school leadership to understand how these local policies protect students.
Further reading
For more information on district policies, visit the Administration section.
Live Poll
Should local schools restrict student outdoor activities to ensure safety near private property?
