School Safety

The unbelievable tragedy and loss of lives at Uvalde CCISD in 2022 sent ripple effects throughout every Texas community. As many struggled with questions of why and how, others vowed never to allow this type of horrific action to take place again. From the highest ranks of government to the parents shaken by the thoughts of their children's future, attention focused on what should be done to protect our schools. One lesson learned was that layers of protection for students must include the physical approach to safety as a supportive element in the educational process. Multiple solutions were presented; however, this article will take note of only three of the physical requirement changes in school safety, namely, the school safety rule, armed officer requirement, and the office of school safety and security. 

 

The connection between physical security and psychological safety is expressed in layers of protection in everyone's life. The Texas Education Agency utilizes the building of the layers through the introduction of the School Safety Rules, which required school districts to focus attention on perimeter access (fences), building upgrades (doors), visitor management (vestibules), and communication infrastructure (panic alarms/access to emergency services).   The school safety standard rule was effective May 31, 2023, and was designed to provide the standard for the physical security of all Texas schools. School Safety Standards

 

In addition to the standardized focus on the physical tools of school safety, the next layer centers on armed personnel. Like Uvalde CCISD, many districts utilized police or armed security on high and middle school campuses. Very few consistently had officers assigned to primary or elementary schools. The major gap that the 88th Texas Legislature addressed is the area of having armed personnel on every campus. House Bill 3 was signed into law and amends the Texas Education Code to state the following:

Section 37.0814 Armed Security Officer Required …The board must ensure that at least one armed security officer is present during regular school hours at each district campus…If the board is unable to comply, the board may claim a good cause exception…if an exception is claimed the board must develop an alternative standard to include a school marshal, guardian, or a contracted person that met the qualification. 

 

The law goes into effect on September 1, 2023. House Bill 3.

Multiple layers of requirements in any institution can bring a level of complacency or even a lack of priority if no accountability process exists. Consequently, Governor Greg Abbott appointed the first Chief of School Safety and Security of the Texas Education Agency. The newly formed office provides the accountability structure to ensure and support Texas school districts implementing the laws, rules, and mandates. The 88th Legislature established the Office of District Safety Audits within the Office of School Safety and Security to monitor the implementation and operation of requirements related to the school district's safety and security. See House Bill 3 (Sect 14)

This article only provides a brief overview of the few but critical physical changes in school safety. School safety has many components and every person in a school district has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the school community. Multiple layers exist that address the psychological, social emotional, and mental health aspects of safety. However, the critical piece is all layers must be active to provide the greatest opportunity for a safe space to learn, thus positively impacting the performance of student achievement.

 

 

Region 7 ESC Safety Cooperative provides exceptional service to our districts with support. As a part of the safety focus, join us on September 6, 2023, Emergency Operation Plan Review and Workday.

 

Join our email listserv to receive relevant and timely information about school safety contact [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].

 

Be safe.
Paul Thompson, Doctor of Management