Blaine, Texas (KBTX) – Blaine ISD says it is taking another step toward protecting students, faculty and staff by researching silent panic alert technology.
When the board met on Monday, they received a potential funding application for the new technology, but they decided to review it at a future meeting. The implementation of this technology will allow sending a signal to law enforcement or first responders in case of an emergency. The system can be triggered by a button or activated by technology.
Kevin Beesaw, assistant director of business services at Bryan ISD, said Texas will make the technology mandatory sometime next year, so getting funding early is important.
“We want to make sure we’re doing the best we can,” Bisso said. “Funds are always tight, so when you can come up with extra money or the state provides some money, that’s a good thing.”
The new system will be integrated with Bryan ISD’s current Raptor security system, which is used for registration and background checks, Beesaw said.
“It’s just an extra button that someone will use at the front desk that they can press as soon as they’re notified to notify the police department or first responders. It’s basically an electronic 9-1-1 call.”
Ron Clary, executive director of operations for Bryan ISD, said safety and security is a top priority for the school district, and that was the focus of most of the meetings.
“We take our jobs very seriously and know they are sending us their number one possession, which is their children,” Clary said. “We want them to feel safe when they come to school.”
Part of the district’s safety precautions include weekly sweeps of doors, exterior fencing, vestibules, specially coated films on windows and a safety alert hotline, said Brian Merrell, executive director of school leadership for Bryan ISD’s secondary campus.
“Clary has formed two subcommittees that are looking at various things, whether it’s its detection, its additional barriers,” Merrell said. “They’re really doing an assessment to make sure it’s not only in compliance with the procedures and protocols, but that law enforcement and those individuals are going to be implemented and integrated.”
Feedback and communication are critical to providing safety throughout the region, Merrell said, and encouraged anyone who saw something to speak up.
“When we talk about feedback, it’s not just about the protections you put in place, it’s about these relationships,” Merrell said. “It’s about them knowing what’s going on because we can’t possibly know everything, but together we can Safety.”
A recent state audit praised Bryan ISD’s safety and security procedures, Clary said.
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