MEDFORD, Ore. — The Oregon Court of Appeals has rejected a request by a Medford teacher to carry a handgun at school.

Shirley Katz had argued the Medford School District lacked authority to set a policy banning employees from carrying firearms.

Katz has a concealed weapons permit and claimed she needed her 9 mm semiautomatic pistol for protection from her ex-husband.

But the appeals court upheld a Jackson County trial judge who ruled the Medford School District had the authority to prohibit guns on campus.

District officials said they were pleased with the decision because it affected work rules intended to ensure staff and school safety.

The attorney for Katz said she was disappointed with the ruling. He said an appeal was under consideration.