Above all else as we approach the beginning of the 2018-19 school year, we are committed to strengthening and restoring an emotionally healthy and safe learning environment at each of our schools.
Last night, the Santa Fe ISD Board accepted the recommendations of the Santa Fe Strong Safety and Security Committee and approved the donations for the installation and use of metal detectors in Santa Fe ISD schools. They also made no changes to the current student dress code, but instead charged the staff and administration responsible for working with students and their families to consistently enforce the dress code at each of the schools. The input we received from the community was split concerning the use of clear backpacks, and the Board did not vote to change the current policy requiring the use of clear backpacks. To that end, any future consideration for the use of backpacks would be discussed if donated backpacks become available for all students. We know that many of you are preparing for the start of school, and we do not want to add any financial burden to purchase backpacks.
We know that the use of metal detectors and enforcement of the dress code are only a part of the overall Safety and Security Plan for our schools, and we sincerely thank those who continue to serve on the Santa Fe Strong Safety and Security Committee to address community priorities to keep our schools safe. The committee members have been meeting and discussing detailed research findings and best practices to finalize priorities and recommendations regarding Hardening of the Schools and Policy Changes to bring to the Board of Trustees for implementation at all schools before the start of the 2018-19 school year. In addition to finalizing these recommendations, the committee is also discussing Mental Health and Wellness Support Services. At this time, the Santa Fe Strong Safety and Security Committee is working in subcommittees to bring forward additional recommendations for remaining priority issues and concerns.
To date, the following Safety and Security life-safety priorities will be in place for the 2018-19 school year. The priorities include: Hardening the Schools, Policy Changes (training, communication), and Mental Health and Wellness Support Services.
Hardening the Schools
- Increasing the Santa Fe ISD Police Department to full-time staff to 14 officers, 10 part-time officers, and five campus security assistants for the 2018-19 school year. The changes include:
- Adding security in all schools with the additional Santa Fe ISD Police Department police officers and campus security assistants who will be providing increased security monitoring in hallways, door entries and student supervision.
- Purchasing new security equipment to fully equip all new officers with items that include: weapons, vehicles, safety vests, radios, Taser guns, etc.
- Redesigning and modifying the High School: Options have been approved for reconstruction and renovation of the affected areas of the high school.
- Providing comprehensive Training for SFISD Police Officers: All SFISD police officers receive ongoing ALERRT Level One and Two training; fire arms training; secure weapon and rifle training; participate in drills with all campuses and provide training on District crisis management to all staff.
- Providing Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training for the public: SFISD police officers provide CRASE training for the public, which is designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy developed by ALERRT in 2004. CRASE training provides strategies, guidance and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event.
- Improving student supervision and training: Organized student supervision is one of the most reliable ways to prevent accidents and injuries. Improved student supervision reduces the risks of incidents on playgrounds, pedestrian and vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, or acts of violence. Effective student supervision and training also reduces a major crisis. Our Santa Fe ISD Police Department trains all its staff and students in safety procedures in major crisis events such as an active shooter incident, fire or tornado.
- Securing access to schools: Secured entrances on all campuses and within all departments ensures that visitors must check in with a receptionist and show proof of identity. They are then processed through the Raptor school security system before they gain entrance for meetings, campus visits, etc. Changing door locks and reconfiguring alarm systems: The current door locks are being changed and the alarm system reconfigured to include panic buttons.
- Implementing exterior electronic door-locking alarm notification systems at all schools. · Providing additional perimeter fencing at elementary schools.
- Increasing participation in and visibility of the SFISD Police Department Parent on Patrol Squad (POPS) program. POPS is a volunteer program designed to involve parents, grandparents and other relatives, to volunteer their time to assist school district police officers on their respective SFISD campuses.
I am very proud to be able to serve this caring community. Thank you for your continued support for our students and staff.
Together we are Santa Fe Strong!
Dr. Leigh Wall, Superintendent of School
Be Sure and check back Wednesday when we will share Policy Changes (training, communication)
