The Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved a contract between Willis ISD and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, according to an April 15 release. The nine prepositions were already funded and previously filled by the Precinct 1 Constable's Office; therefore, no new funding was required for the contract.

“I was honored when the Willis ISD approached me about taking on this new challenge. As a parent of school-age children and the husband of a teacher, school safety and security is very near and dear to my heart. I am excited to add these nine school resource officers to my team and eager to partner with Willis ISD as we keep our kids safe,” Montgomery County Sheriff Rand Henderson said in the release.

Superintendent Tim Harkrider said in a statement to Community Impact that the switch occurred when the district evaluated different resources and determined switching to a partnership with the sheriff’s office would provide more safety for staff and students.

“We felt the Sheriff's Office would better be able to enhance the safety and security of Willis ISD students and staff,” Harkrider said in an April 20 statement. “All nine of our officers have made the switch, so there will not be any impact to our safety operations.”