An Ocean County teacher has been charged following the discovery of a knife inside a school classroom, officials said today.

According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Kevin J. Hasbrouck, 36, of Point Pleasant Beach, has been charged with a fourth-degree weapons offense after authorities say he was found in possession of a knife while working at a school in Neptune Township.

On February 3, an officer from the Neptune Township Police Department responded to Neptune Middle School for a reported weapons investigation. Authorities say the investigation led to the discovery of a large stainless-steel knife with a black handle inside a desk drawer assigned to Hasbrouck.

Officials have not publicly indicated why the knife was in the classroom.

While the reason for the possession remains unclear, the case raises a broader question: should teachers be allowed to carry weapons for self-defense on school grounds?

New Jersey law currently imposes strict limits on weapons in schools. Supporters of arming teachers argue that properly trained educators could help protect students in emergency situations, while opponents warn of potential risks and unintended consequences.

We want to hear from our readers: Should teachers be armed?