Dear Parents and Guardians:
I wanted to take this opportunity to share our plans going forward with school safety. As you know, the decision was made four years ago to add access doors and new cameras to increase the safety of our staff and students. Additionally, we have two entry access points where visitors can gain access to our buildings and get a visitor pass. We purchased the Raptor system that screens the driver's license of each visitor for issues that would deny access to our buildings.
As we move to the next step of our safety plan, the safety of our students is paramount. After successfully adding the cameras, doors, and the Raptor system, the decision was made to implement the Guardian Program which will arm staff members to protect our staff and students. The Guardians have completed psychological testing and must have their License to Carry (LTC) certificate in order to participate in the program. In July, 8-10 staff members will go through the rigorous training required to be a Guardian. These staff members will carry guns in the buildings where they work in order to keep those areas safe. This will serve as more complete coverage than one School Resource Officer can provide, as the response will be immediate to the area involved.
Yesterday, the Hood County Sheriffs Office hosted a briefing with one of the Texas Rangers conducting the investigation into the Uvalde School shooting. He emphasized 3 things that were essential for school district safety: 1) Locked outside, perimeter doors; 2) Locked classroom doors with windows covered; 3) Practice active shooter drills monthly. The Ranger also mentioned that cinder-block constructed safe-rooms are extremely safe even from rounds fired from AR-15 rifles. This means that the safe-rooms at the high school and the elementary school will serve to keep our students and staff safe in the event of an active shooter.
Over the last few years, we have used our ESSER funding to add a Dean of Students, a counselor as well as a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialist to help students who are struggling with life issues they are facing. Likewise, our teachers have completed Mental Health and Wellbeing training so that they can recognize students who are struggling with social-emotional issues and be able to refer them for counseling. This year we are adding a Director of Special Programs position to fulfill the requirements of SB 179 which will allow both counselors to be better able to serve our students as counselors.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the safety of the children served by Lipan ISD.
Sincerely,
Ralph Carter, Ed.D Superintendent
