The Educator’s School Safety Network came to the district last month to perform a District Vulnerability Assessment, which included a review of security weaknesses in the district. Each year they go through 1,200 school districts in Texas, shoosing which schools to visit randomly. They assess the emergency operating procedures and the school’s safety procedures for every campus. Principal Lucio Olvera said they checked every single door, window and entrance while on campus.
“I think it is a great opportunity to make sure all districts are complying with policy and safety of our students,” Olvera said. “We made sure that the traffic in the halls was minimized so that the visitors could walk around the school without having to go through crowds.”
Officials interviewed staff members as part of their audit. According to Olvera, the group found no problems and no red flags.
“The district has worked hard the last few years to make sure we follow all safety precautions, not just because of the laws, but because we want our students to be as safe as possible,” teacher Melonie Menefee said. “We train every year to make sure our certifications are current and that we know what to do in all situations.”
Continued school shootings mean that schools all over the state are working to keep students safer. Regular drills make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Teachers are required to keep doors locked at all times and to know where first aid kits and other emergency supplies are.
Students are more aware of what to do in an emergency as well. CNA teacher Stacy Cornett has shown her students where first aid kits and fire extinguishers are on campus.
“I have made sure each of my students are prepared for any type of situation,” Cornett said. “I continue to teach more about safety in my classroom while also making sure they will be able to go home and teach it to their parents or siblings.”
The school will continue to work on updating and practicing every aspect of different safety scenarios.
“The most important thing, above everything else, is that we make sure students are safe here,” Menefee said. “It’s a lot of training every year, and there is a lot to remember every day, but if it keeps our kids safe, it is always worth it.”
