During a Nov. 14 meeting, the board of trustees discussed revising the school’s policy for the district’s emergency operations plan. The emergency operation plan includes the district’s procedures for security measures when district property is used as a polling place, materials provided to classroom substitutes during emergencies and the response plan for an active shooter.
The Texas School Guardian Program was developed in 2009 as an effort to have an armed defensive approach on school campuses, especially in rural areas where police response may be slower, according to a presentation shown in the board’s Nov. 3 workshop. Passed in the 2013 Texas legislative session, the Guardian Plan gives a school board further discretion in authorizing designated persons to carry a firearm on district campuses.
The board’s policy stated the trustees may authorize specific district employees to possess a firearm in schools, at board meetings, and at school-sponsored or related events. The possession of firearms will be strictly voluntary and is not a requirement by employees, the policy stated.
According to the proposed policy, firearms would be allowed to address emergency situations including an armed intruder, a hostage situation, or against the actions of a student or employee who is armed and poses a threat.
Only an employee with a license to carry a handgun in Texas can be eligible. The firearms and ammunition must be district approved, documents stated.
During board discussion, Trustee Micah Young said more than 300 school districts in Texas utilize the Guardian Plan. Young, who showed support for the plan, said if it is approved by the board, then the district will need a “robust training program” and strong selection criteria for volunteers.
“We’re looking for quality, not quantity, if this is approved,” he said in the meeting.
Trustees Beverly Dixon and Ruthie Keyes spoke about how many teachers would want to participate in the program. Dixon said she has spoken with elementary school teachers who are concerned with employees carrying guns around young children.
“Our teachers aren’t comfortable with this,” Dixon said.
The projected cost for the program is $540,000, the workshop’s presentation stated. The program cost for each volunteer is $10,000. With 42 campuses, the cost for volunteers would be $420,000. This cost covers ammunition; supplies, such as holsters and shields; monthly range fees to meet ongoing requirements; ongoing training, such as hand-to-hand and firearm requalifications; and new member fees for psychological evaluation and initial qualification training.
The rest of the $540,000 price tag—about $120,000—would go toward supervisory staff who would oversee training, recruit volunteers, and ensure federal and state compliance, the presentation stated.
For the 2022-23 school year, KISD has a total of 12 school resource officers in its schools. That is an upgraded number compared the previous school year.
During the board workshop, district staff said a survey would be sent out to gain input from the community. The board of trustees will bring the policy to its Dec. 12 meeting for approval.
