Dear EEISD Community,
As we look forward to a new exciting and challenging school year, I would like to provide some updates to our safety and security practices in Edcouch-Elsa ISD. Please be assured that we are taking every action to ensure that our students return to a safe and secure school.
Last year we contracted with an external security company to provide armed guards at Edcouch-Elsa High School and Truan STEM Academy. This year we will expand the number of armed guards to include Ybarra, Santiago Garcia, Ruben Rodriguez, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and J.R. Gutierrez campuses. These armed guards will be an additional layer of security to our existing security guards.
This summer our administrators, teachers, and staff were trained in Standard Response Protocols (SRP) and Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE). In addition, the district conducted a districtwide door audit and will conduct weekly door checks to ensure that all exterior doors are secured. The Texas School Safety Center will also be conducting random door audits this year.
Edcouch-Elsa ISD is working in partnership with local law enforcement and district parents and staff to follow the Texas Education Code that specifically describes who shall serve on a School Safety and Security Committee, how often they shall meet, and what they are charged to implement.
This committee must actively participate in developing and implementing emergency plans for campuses and other facilities. In addition, the committee will develop an Active Threat Annex to the Emergency Operations Plan that addresses district actions and responsibility through the five phases of Emergency Management.
As required by Texas Education Code Section 37.114, EEISD will also follow adopted rules for mandatory school drills for public school districts. We will utilize The Texas School Safety Center updated resources to reflect these new trainings and drills.
Most of all thank you for your continued support by understanding some of the changes we are making to improve safety including mesh/clear backpacks and student and staff IDs at our high school. We will continue to add additional safety measures as the District School Safety and Security Committee meets to review and revise our practices.
Sincerely,
Greg Rodríguez, PhD
Superintendent