The state of Texas recently passed House Bill 3, focusing on school safety standards and outlining required security measures for all Texas public school districts. At China Spring ISD, student safety is a priority. The district already practices many of the security measures outlined in House Bill 3.
China Spring ISD has a full-time police officer at each campus, 100% of faculty and staff receive annual training related to mental health and student safety, and the district holds quarterly school safety meetings with school security officers and local law enforcement agencies.
House Bill 3 requires the state of Texas provide money to public school districts based on enrollment size. China Spring ISD initially received $209,000 to strengthen school safety and security resources.
The district is using these funds to replace doors and locks at various campuses and install new fencing as outlined in the safety bill. According to House Bill 3, fencing must be at least 6 feet high with features that prevent it from being easily scalable or install a fence that is at least 8 feet high. You may notice these changes taking place as you visit the district.
During the implementation of these enhanced security resources, Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Pitts, and members of the China Spring ISD Police Department knew additional funding would be needed to meet all of the requirements of House Bill 3. Pitts and the China Spring ISD Police Department completed a safety survey and needs assessment for the district and submitted a grant application to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). In November, TEA announced China Spring ISD the recipient of a $1.3 million safety grant.
“The initial funding allowed us to strengthen safety features already in place at China Spring ISD,” notes Pitts, “When we were made aware of additional funding available through TEA we knew we had to apply to continue building and enhancing safety features across the district.”
The additional grant funding will be used to install a clear, safety film on glass doors and windows. This film reinforces the glass, making it difficult to break. In addition to the safety film, the district will use grant funding for enhancing door locks, key systems, and securing school grounds