College Station and Bryan Focus on School Safety and Security
This week, the cities of College Station and Bryan are buzzing with discussions about an essential topic: school safety and security. As parents and community members, it’s comforting to know that our local school districts are taking proactive steps to keep our kids safe at school.
College Station ISD Takes Action
In College Station ISD, Superintendent Tim Harkrider took the time to share an informative message on the district’s website detailing the ongoing efforts being made. Parents and guardians can find the full statement available online. To give you a taste, some of the highlights from his message include:
- Regular Emergency Drills: College Station ISD consistently practices emergency procedures with both students and staff to ensure everyone knows what to do in different scenarios.
- Safety and Security Committee Meetings: The district meets regularly with its safety and security committee to evaluate and improve their strategies.
- Updated Emergency Plans: Emergency plans are undergoing regular updates to keep them in line with current best practices.
- Communication with Law Enforcement: Building strong relationships with local law enforcement is a priority to aid in swift responses to any concerning situations.
Harkrider encourages parents to talk to their kids about school safety. It’s vital for students to feel they can report any issues or discomfort, reinforcing that it’s okay to reach out to a teacher or an administrator if they ever feel unsafe.
Bryan ISD’s Comprehensive Approach
Meanwhile, over in Bryan ISD, excitement filled the air during Monday night’s school board meeting. Numerous administrators contributed to an engaging presentation on the district’s safety and security protocols. One highlight from the meeting involved Assistant Director of Safety and Security Rich Himmel, who introduced a new state inspection set to occur every four years. This inspection will assess the vulnerability of campus buildings—a significant step toward safeguarding our schools.
Board member Mark McCall advised the administrators to seek board approval when repairs and upgrades are needed to meet state security requirements. It’s all part of a team effort to keep our children safe on their school grounds.
One of the standout components discussed was how Bryan ISD utilizes a Standard Response Protocol. This protocol outlines how the district responds during emergencies and unusual situations. Linda Montoya, one of the district’s school leadership directors, explained how each campus has a Safe and Supportive School Team in place to handle crises effectively.
Adding to the impressive security measures, Julea Johnson, the technology director, introduced a new emergency notification system known as the Silent Panic Alarm Technology (SPAT), which will be available in every classroom. This system ensures immediate communication during emergencies, providing another layer of safety for students and staff alike.
Mental Health and Communication Matter
Another essential aspect is the mental health services provided by Bryan ISD. Brian Merrell, another school leadership director, emphasized the importance of communication among students, parents, teachers, and administrators. It’s paramount that every student receives timely information related to safety incidents, and he noted that parents can no longer opt out of receiving emergency messages from the district. Keeping everyone informed is key!
Other News in the Community
In addition to school safety discussions, the College Station police are investigating an incident involving a 69-year-old pedestrian who was struck by a commercial truck. This unfortunate event took place near Walmart on Longmire Drive and is being thoroughly examined. Thankfully, the man was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
Shifting gears, College Station City Council members also received a report on the fiscal year 2024 activity at Ringer Library. The library had impressive numbers, such as over 197,000 visitors and more than 409,000 items checked out. They hosted numerous programs, focusing significantly on children’s literacy and general interest topics.
On the legal front, a Bryan woman, Kimberly Anderson Lee, has been indicted for allegedly stealing over $9,000 from an apartment complex and previously faced other theft charges. These cases continue to unfold, and no trial dates have been set yet.
In Summary
Overall, it’s reassuring to see both College Station and Bryan working hard to enhance school safety and security, while also keeping the community informed about their initiatives. Parents, teachers, and students can feel a little more at ease knowing that these districts are committed to creating safe environments for learning and personal growth.
