Richardson | August 2022

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RICHARDSON ISD

doors with double-buzz entry pads, keyless automatic locking doors with electronic monitoring and more. Dis- trict ocials said bond funds have also been used to increase security camera footage both inside and out- side of campuses. “[RISD is] well equipped with safety and security in mind with funding for updates and improvements provided each bond cycle,” Hayes said. Additional security improvements implemented for the 2022-23 school year include improved exterior cam- pus and parking lot lighting; and addi- tional use of campus cameras. PISD, which has 12 schools located in Richardson, has also used bond funds for security additions. During the 2016 bond election, voters approved a $12.2 million proposition to fund security improvements. Districtwide upgrades and improve- ments include access control systems, emergency communication equip- ment, campus panic alarms and safety upgrades for John Clark Stadium. PISD ocials said they plan to upgrade campus security cameras and build stronger relations between RISD works with area departments to hire city police ocers as school resource ocers, or SROs, to protect the district’s 55 campuses. These ocers are designed to investigate potential threats, provide physical security as needed, conduct safety audits and direct district pre- paredness, RISD ocials stated. “RISD safety and security sta are inside schools throughout each day to provide direction and support to campuses involved in a potential safety situation,” RISD Executive local police and students. School resource ocers

officers on site RISD maintains a safety and security department that provides districtwide support.

existing security measures A number of safety measures are in place at RISD schools thanks to various district funding measures.

efforts to improve security By the start of the 2022-23 school year, RISD fully assessed its security and safety protocols. RISD is undergoing a third- party security audit to ensure best practices are in place at all campuses.

School entrances have double-door security, camera coverage and remote monitors.

Multiple full-time ocers are assigned at each high school. full-time ocer is assigned at each junior high. RISD elementary campuses are assigned a part-time o cer. combined school resource ocers and o-duty ocers in schools.

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$12.7M

Doors have keyless, automatic locks with electronic monitoring at all entrances. Interior surveillance cameras cover school corridors. Campuses have exterior cameras and outdoor perimeter lighting. Handheld and entryway metal detectors are at some campuses.

was approved for safety and security upgrades as part of

the 2021 bond election. The district has released a security-specic video for parents and the community to help demonstrate dierent safety measures.

SOURCE: RICHARDSON ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

data, there have been over 30 mass shootings in Texas this year. The orga- nization denes a mass shooting as a single incident where at least four people are injured or killed by a bullet. PISD and RISD ocials have reviewed district security protocols to reassure students and families. “Our ultimate priority is to provide a safe learning environment with engaging learning experiences that ... activate every student’s unique potential,” PISD Superintendent The- resa Williams said via email. Both districts ultimately added new security measures ahead of the 2022- 23 school year. Through the use of funds from the 2021 bond election and 2018 tax rati- cation election, RISD schools have received security upgrades, Assistant Superintendent Sandra Hayes said. “Creating a safe environment for

McGough stated he believes RISD ocials should perform safety audits; establish early warning and red ag systems; monitor social media for warning signs; and move polling locations away from campuses when school is in session. In June, the RISD board of trust- ees requested the Texas Legislature modify primary elections to promote safety on campus. On the day of the mass shooting in Uvalde that left 19 students and two teachers dead, sev- eral RISD campuses were open to the public for the Dallas County primary runo election. “We … know that during that time our buildings are vulnerable,” Bra- num said during the June 13 meeting. Adding to security Among the safety and security upgrades implemented in RISD are

teaching and learning has been RISD’s No. 1 priority since the Columbine tragedy in 1999,” Hayes said. “The dis- trict has long been on the leading edge of physical improvements and pro- grams designed to ensure the safety of students and sta.” ‘Time for action’ Dallas City Council Member Adam McGough has pushed for RISD to improve its security. He represents the city’s District 10 within RISD’s school boundaries. In a June memo to Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax and RISD interim Superintendent Tabitha Branum, McGough stated a desire to push for stronger security. “It is time for action,” McGough said in the memo. “We cannot accept the pain and fear that permeates our communities with the inltration of violence and evil in our schools.”

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