Cleburne ISD administrators have met with city and county law enforcement to discuss and evaluate school safety initiatives in place within the district, and the coordinated response in the event of an active shooter.

                On June 9, superintendents from several Johnson County school districts met with city and county officials to discuss school safety and security.

                “We are united in the concern we have with local law enforcement over the tragedy in Uvalde ISD,” Superintendent Dr. Kyle Heath said. “Chief Robert Severance provided a heightened police presence and patrols around our campuses the day following the shooting, as a precautionary safety measure for students and our staff.”

                “The focus on making our schools safer has been an ongoing practice in CISD, and this meeting and upcoming sessions with law enforcement officials are reflective of that,” Heath said. “We must make our campuses and facilities secure for students and staff—there is no higher priority. We want to protect them.”

                Among the initiatives adopted in CISD is the District Safety and Security Committee established in 2019, which includes School Resource Officers and deputies with Johnson County Constable Precinct One, who have a presence at all campuses. Committee members also include law enforcement administrators, campus principals and parent representatives. The committee continues to meet regularly to discuss and review safety measures in place and related topics.

                In the 2018-19 school year, the district implemented the ALICE active shooter training for staff, and grade/age-appropriate training for students. The program provides lessons and information for all facets of a violent intruder gaining access to a building. As an ALICE Certified school district, training in the Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate response procedures is completed annually by both new and returning staff.   

The last three CISD bond referendums approved by voters have funded school safety and security projects, including upgrades, resulting in:

• Secure entrance vestibules
• Keyless access for door entrances
• Exterior/Interior Security cameras at all facilities
• Expanded inventory of hand-held radios for all campuses

             All classrooms are equipped with/utilize door barricade precautions. Emergency Preparedness Guides for campus administrators have been developed and Threat Assessment Teams are in place at every school. Safety protocols are posted in classrooms and throughout CISD facilities.

                 The newest safety/security additions for CISD campuses include a new phone system to be installed over the summer that will allow emergency responders to isolate a 9-1-1 call to a specific classroom or location. Renovations underway at the Wheat and Smith campuses will include upgrades to campus security, from surveillance to remodeled entry vestibules.

                “We will continue to look for ways we can get better,” Heath said. “We value the collaboration we have with not only law enforcement and government municipalities, but also our fellow school districts. It’s critical that we work together, share best practices and learn from each other.”

                “We’ve come miles with the systems and procedures we now have in place,” Heath said. “We know more, and we are better equipped and prepared. While we hope and pray that these systems will never be challenged by someone intent on doing harm, we must remain vigilant in providing a secure environment for those in our care.”

                Information on the district’s safety and security program and initiatives is posted on the CISD Safety and Security webpage.