In addition to Texas School Safety issues, this page will include news for Texas parents, educators, administrators and law enforcement professionals. This includes best practice examples in the fields of emergency management and public safety for Texas.
“Our district has researched and identified the most operationally effective and impactful security and safety technologies that are available for our schools. Mutualink offers an enhanced capability essential to enabling a quick, coordinated and effective response with our first responders. As a result, we are able to immediately connect with public safety entities permitting direct communication with us. They have the ability to see what is happening, providing critical information that speeds action, preventing and resolving a dangerous situation. In the Mutualink solution we found a day-to-day platform for interaction with our partners and the ability to be prepared for any emergency or coordinate security for events.”
Texas School Safety News
Senate committee explores how Texans, social media companies can prevent mass violence
by: Kate Winkle and Wes Rapaport
Dec 5, 2019 / 08:09 AM CST / Updated: Dec 5, 2019 / 06:11 PM CST
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Lawmakers gathering in Austin Wednesday are tackling the subject of how law enforcement, mental health providers, fusion centers and social media companies can work together to prevent mass violence in the state. Read More
Texas Schools Turning to Technology for Added Safety Measure
By Karina Kling Texas PUBLISHED 8:35 PM CT Oct. 23, 2019
AUSTIN, Texas — This week is national school safety week and more and more school districts are turning to technology as an added safety tool. Mutualink is one tool Texas districts are utilizing. It instantly connects schools with first responders and is being used to enhance safety readiness and response.
Watch the video on the Spectrum News website.
Legislative Guidance: Emergency Operations Plans – Texas School Safety Center
The 86th session of the Texas Legislature enacted many changes to statutes in efforts to help improve school safety and security. This video, from the Texas School Safety Center, provides helpful guidance to Texas ISDs as they begin to understand SB 11 and its impact on school safety planning. These plans must include provisions for teacher reporting of emergencies, as well as for multihazard response communications.
Texas Senate Committee on Education: Testimony of the Texas City ISD Executive Director of Security and Safety
March 2019 – Texas lawmakers discussed what can be done to prevent or mitigate school tragedies. Mike Matranga, former Secret Service agent, shared what some consider to be best practices for mitigation. In June 2019, the Senate passed TX SB11, which includes requirements for school to law enforcement communications.
Texas School Safety – Mutualink In The News
Dallas ISD Board Hears Remarks from School Security Professional DALLAS, TX — On Tuesday, members of the Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees continued their discussions and review of options for a 2020 education bond package. While the Board is still considering plans that range from $2.7 billion to $3.7 billion, all proposals include […]
Communications Platform Used by Dept. of Homeland Security Could Help Texas Schools Respond in an Emergency DALLAS, TX — This week, Texas School Administrators and Texas School Boards gathered for their annual convention at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas. On the minds of many: school safety. And in the wake of recent […]
Action Taken In Texas
State and local leaders across Texas are taking significant steps to ensure school safety is a top priority. Through legislation, executive orders, and additional education funding, leaders are highlighting the importance of safeguarding campuses, preparing for worst-case scenarios, and improving communication channels between schools and first responders. Some significant laws recently passed regarding school safety in Texas, include:
- Sept. 2013: State law created a school marshal program allowing armed school workers in Texas schools.
- June 2018: Gov. Greg Abbott launches a reporting system called iWatchTexas, allowing Texans to report potential threats in their communities and schools — highlighting the need for better communication between private citizens and law enforcement agencies in thwarting crises.
- Sept. 2019: School districts are instructed to implement emergency plans. Including recommendations outlined by Gov. Greg Abbott after the Santa Fe High School shooting, the law asks schools to assess their current protocols and identify essential improvements to keep students and facility safe.
- Sept. 2019: In response to the mass shootings in El Paso and Odessa, Gov. Greg Abbott issues a series of executive orders focused on strengthening law enforcement’s ability to prevent future mass shootings by improving reporting channels.
- Sept. 2019: State leaders allocate hundreds of millions of dollars in additional education funding for schools to implement new and improved campus safety measures.