The gist
At an Oct. 9 board workshop meeting, CCISD trustees discussed the idea of a good cause exception to House Bill 3 during the closed session portion of its meeting.
House Bill 3 was approved in the latest state legislative session earlier in the year and, among other things, requires armed security officers to be present at all campuses during school hours, according to the bill.
School districts in Texas are allowed to pass other similar plans or claim a good cause exception to the bill if they can demonstrate they do not have the funds or personnel to fulfill the requirements, according to the bill.
The discussion item at the workshop was not voted on at the workshop. However, it could appear on a future agenda, CCISD Chief Communications Officer Elaina Polsen said.
What trustees said about the item is not available due to the discussion taking place behind closed doors.
Diving in deeper
This is the first time since July the board has addressed the new safety bill publicly. At a July 10 workshop, the board received a presentation detailing the requirements.
At the time, officials from the district’s School Safety and Security Committee said they were “confident the district provides a safe learning environment” and that it meets the bill’s requirements.
What else?
Several other school districts surrounding CCISD have had their respective boards approve a good cause exception to the law.
Both Pearland ISD and Alvin ISD’s boards have passed one as well as a temporary safety plan while they find the funding and officers needed to comply with the law.
Friendswood ISD has not approved one, but officials have been public about discussions being held surrounding the topic.
Stay tuned
CCISD will next meet at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 at the CCISD Education Support Center, 2425 E. Main St., League City.
