In a nutshell
David Rider, Fort Bend ISD’s former chief of police since 2010, will join KISD on Feb. 17, according to a KISD news release.
“I’m excited to join Katy ISD and build relationships throughout the department and with the stellar students, staff and community of this district,” Rider said in the release. “Our department will work every day to maintain a safe and secure environment for all Katy ISD learners and staff.”
The details
According to the release, Rider brings to KISD a 34-year law enforcement career, which includes:
- Assistant police chief for Austin ISD for nearly 13 years
- Career started in 1991 Kingsville, where he was promoted to corporal and served until 1997
Quote of note
"Chief Rider’s distinguished career in public education policing and his emphasis on relational law enforcement, with officers as co-educators in schools, is an excellent fit for Katy ISD,” KISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski said in the release. “His extensive expertise in school-based law enforcement and his leadership experience in large-scale ISDs are unparalleled in our region.”
The backstory
Rider will replace former Police Chief Henry Gaw, who joined KISD in September 2020 after a 26-year career with the Houston Police Department, said Rachel Ross, general manager of media relations at KISD. Gaw resigned from the district to pursue other interests, she said.
What’s next?
While Gaw is still on staff, the department is being overseen by two KISD police captains and Ruben Martinez, director of emergency management and school safety, Ross said. District officials didn't provide Gaw's last day as of press time.
