Indictments, School Safety Initiatives, and Community Updates in Bryan and College Station

Recent Events and Updates from Bryan and College Station

Indictments of Kimberly Anderson Lee Raise Questions

In a recent turn of events in Bryan, Kimberly Anderson Lee, a 35-year-old woman, was indicted on September 13th. She faces serious allegations of keeping $9,413.50 paid by individuals who were aspiring to move into a local apartment complex. This isn’t the first time Lee has found herself in legal trouble; back in July 2023, she was indicted for allegedly taking $25,682.66 from another employer in Bryan.

As of now, no trial dates have been set for either case, which also includes an enhanced charge involving driving with an invalid license dating back to February 2020. Lee has been released on bail after posting bonds that total $102,000. The community watches closely as these cases unfold.

School Safety Initiatives in College Station and Bryan ISD

This week, school safety and security have taken center stage for both College Station Independent School District (CSISD) and Bryan Independent School District (BISD). CSISD Superintendent Tim Harkrider shared updates through a message posted on the district’s website, emphasizing the range of measures being taken to ensure the safety of students and staff. Some of the key efforts include:

• Regular emergency procedure drills with students and staff
• Collaborative meetings with the safety and security committee
• Updating emergency plans and security infrastructure
• Maintaining communication with local law enforcement

Harkrider encouraged parents to engage their children in conversations about school safety, highlighting the importance of reporting any feelings of unease at school to a teacher or administrator.

BISD’s Focus on Security During School Board Meeting

On Monday night, during a Bryan ISD school board meeting, multiple administrators participated in a presentation focused on school safety and security. Rich Himmel, the assistant director of safety and security, discussed a new state inspection that will assess vulnerabilities on campuses every four years. This proactive approach sparked discussion among board members about budgeting for necessary items to meet state requirements.

Another highlight from the meeting came from Linda Montoya, one of Bryan ISD’s school leadership directors, who elaborated on the district’s standard response protocol for emergencies and unusual situations on campuses. For added support, each Bryan ISD campus benefits from a Safe and Supportive School Team aimed at fostering a secure learning environment.

Additionally, Julea Johnson, the district’s technology director, introduced the new Silent Panic Alarm Technology (SPAT), which enables instant communication during emergencies from every classroom. Support for mental health services was also highlighted, emphasizing the importance of communication among students, teachers, and parents regarding safety incidents.

College Station Police Investigate Pedestrian Accident

In other news, the College Station Police Department is investigating a serious incident involving a pedestrian who was struck by a commercial truck. The accident occurred on Wednesday morning, September 25, near Longmire Drive, as a 69-year-old man crossed the street. He was flown to a hospital in Temple for treatment, and authorities are still determining the details surrounding the incident. Thankfully, Longmire Drive has since reopened after police conducted their investigation.

Library Highlights from City Council Meeting

City council members in College Station also received an overview of Ringer Library’s activities for the fiscal year 2024. The statistics shared were impressive, with over 197,000 visitors and more than 409,000 items checked out. Ringer Library hosted 514 programs, with a significant focus on children and various topics of general interest.

Council members discussed potential future improvements, including the installation of book drop-off boxes at publicly owned buildings and a request for additional handicapped parking spaces. Ross Brady, the city manager’s office chief of staff, mentioned possible accreditation requirements that could necessitate the acquisition of new materials.

As the community buzzes with these updates, it’s clear that both Bryan and College Station are taking important steps towards maintaining safety and enhancing public resources. Stay tuned for more developments!