There is a new push underway in North Carolina that could allow some school workers to carry a gun on school grounds.

The proposed bill was one of 15 bills introduced to the state Senate on Thursday by Republican Senator Stan Bingham from Davidson County.

According to the proposal Senate Bill 27, certain teachers and other volunteers could be designated as "school safety marshals" and be allowed to carry firearms in emergency situations.

They would be able to have a gun on school grounds, bus, athletic property or any property used by the school board or board of trustees.

These marshals would provide armed security at schools that do not have a school resource officer.

Right now, only law enforcement officers are allowed to have guns on school grounds in North Carolina.

The bill, if passed, would call for the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission to come up with a training regime for volunteers.

A grant and supplemental funds from the U.S. Department of Education will make it possible for every eligible North Carolina high school student taking an Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exam this year to have his or her test fees covered.

As a part of the federal Advanced Placement Test Fee Program, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) will receive more than $800,000 to cover AP and IB test fees for all low-income students who qualify during the 2012-13 school year.

"Many students use their AP and IB courses to get a head start on earning a college degree," said State Superintendent June Atkinson. "The cost of a test should not be a hurdle in any student's path to reaching his or her goals for higher education or a career."

43 state education agencies were recently awarded a total of more than $21 million in grants from the USDE's Advanced Placement Test Fee Program.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is awarding much needed equipment to Table Rock Middle School during a ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at the Lenoir Firehouse Subs restaurant.

Otherwise unavailable due to budget constraints, the school benefits with a Cardiac Science Automated External Defibrillator (AED) worth more than $1,200. The donated device will ensure the school is prepared to provide life-saving assistance if a student, staff member or visitor goes into cardiac arrest. Since 2005, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has donated more than $381,100 to public safety entities in North Carolina.

"An automated external defibrillator can be the difference between life and death in sudden cardiac arrest victims," said Brian Hammond, franchisee of the Hickory Firehouse Subs location.