In a nutshell
GISD's Safety and Security Committee provided an update Aug. 10 detailing some upcoming and ongoing actions to comply with new requirements from the state of Texas.
The specifics
Texas lawmakers passed several initiatives to improve school safety and security this year, including:
- House Bill 3: requires armed security guards on all charter and public school campuses
- Senate Bill 838: requires silent panic alert devices in all public and charter school classrooms by the 2025-26 school year
The district is in the process of implementing several improvements to enhance safety and security on its campuses to comply with new laws passed, including:
- Silent panic buttons: Silent alarms will be installed in classrooms across the district this fall.
- Taller fences and window film: The district will apply for a state grant to fund the purchase of window reinforcement film for school sentry vestibule windows and taller fences as needed.
- Audit review: District officials will review the most recent safety audit and create an action plan to address any needs identified.
- School resource officers: Trustees approved a good cause exemption to the SRO requirement outlined in HB 3 Aug. 21, indicating the district will choose alternate means to satisfy the requirement.
