How has the safety and security of HB3 changed the ISD landscape in Ellis County?

FERRIS – With Uvalde on everyone’s mind again this past week, it is a suitable time to check in and see what the various ISD districts in Ellis County have done since HB3 went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023. 

The bill relates to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.

The bill passed on June 14, 2023, with a vote of 62 Republicans and 8 Democrats.

While some Ellis County ISDs did not get back by press time, both Ferris and Midlothian ISDs did respond with an update on their school’s safety changes.

As for Ferris ISD, Superintendent Hector Madrigal said, “We at FISD put most of these safety protocols into place before it was put into law. 

“We’ve had officers on every campus for a couple of years now, as well as the safety film on exterior glass, and all exterior doors being numbered on the inside and outside of the doors.”

Madrigal said the district also purchased walk through and handheld metal detectors to replace the older ones they had for years. 

Officers on each campus perform multiple exterior and interior door checks per day confirming the doors are locked, closed, and in working order. 

“If a door is found in need of attention, then a work order is placed with the FISD Maintenance Department who respond in a timely manner to correct the issue,” Madrigal explained. 

“We have purchased several new cameras to add to our video surveillance system that is already in place across the district.”

The Ferris ISD Police Department also has and will continue to obtain active shooter training every summer and perform active shooter training throughout the year. 

As for the funding to implement the necessary safety changes, Madrigal said funds at FISD were secured through a safety grant that the district was awarded last year as well as funds from the safety allotment that the district receives from the State. 

Prior to those funds, items were purchased with district funds.

Tammy Kuykendall, Executive Director of Communications at Midlothian ISD, said regarding safety and security in that district, “The district and City of Midlothian Police Department entered into an updated safety MOU that adds six highly qualified officer positions to the existing MISD School Resource Officer Division. Trustees unanimously adopted the MOU at its Aug. 21 regular meeting. 

The district is currently in the process of screening applicants to fill the additional positions.

MISD also received the School Safety Standards Grant through TEA in the amount of $510,765 to fund fencing installation at Walnut Grove Middle School, Frank Seale Middle School, and J.R. Irvin Elementary School. The fencing is an additional layer of security. 

And the district is eligible to receive and expects to be awarded $464,792 through TEA’s SAFE (Safety And Facility Enhancement) Grant Cycle 1. 

“These additional grant funds will be utilized to finish the fencing projects at MHS, HHS and small portions of the L.A. Mills Administration Building,” Kuykendall said. 

“Funds will also cover the costs to install additional bullet-resistant film at multiple schools, expanding the district’s use of safety film on designated glass throughout the district at multiple schools. 

“This safety film is currently in use at our schools. This expands this safety feature.”

MISD will also receive $24,761 through the Silent Panic Alert Technology grant from TEA to implement and install equipment at every MISD school, as required by HB3. 

The requirement goes into effect for the 2025-2026 school year. 

MISD plans to install equipment one year ahead of the deadline requirement by launching the technology in August 2024. The system will enable every school staff member to initiate a lockdown and immediately alert local authorities.

Kuykendall added, “Safety and security are a top priority. We are extremely proud of our safety initiatives and partnerships with the Midlothian Police Department and the City of Midlothian. 

“MISD is at the forefront of implementing new safety measures to meet the requirements outlined in HB3. These measures expand our current systems and capabilities.” 

Midlothian Chief of Police Carl D. Smith added his comments relating to the PD, city council and ISD relationship, “I am very proud of the stance taken by the City Council of Midlothian. 

“Over the 16 years that I have been privileged to be chief of police, the council has embraced the collaborative effort between the MISD Board of Trustees, MISD Administration and MPD to invest in our student’s safety.”