Texas schools amp up security in wake of Uvalde shooting
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A Round Rock ISD elementary school. Photo courtesy Thomas Park/Round Rock ISD
Police departments have increased security at Central Texas schools and graduation ceremonies following the Uvalde shooting.
The big picture: Jittery from the attack, police and school officials are seeking to reassure parents and students with a bigger police presence.
Details: Additional officers will patrol Austin public school campuses.
- High school-based officers will cover elementary and middle schools promptly after dismissals at their assigned campuses.
- "You will also see enhanced security at our graduation ceremonies," Austin schools superintendent Stephanie Elizalde told parents via email on Wednesday.
What they're saying: "It's important for you to know what we do every day to provide a safe environment for our students and staff," Elizalde said. "Access to all doors at all of our schools is restricted, and only authorized key cards can unlock them from the outside. Our police officers monitor social media and respond to every single threat posted online."
Between the lines: Elizalde said the district is finishing up work adding bullet-resistant material at the entryways of all Austin public schools, paid for with a $2 million state grant.
Similar security steps are being taken across Central Texas.
- Wednesday morning, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office reported that detectives and traffic deputies have been placed at schools throughout the community.
- And Pflugerville ISD's superintendent also sent a letter asking parents not to be "alarmed if [they] see additional police presence" at end-of-year celebrations this week.
Round Rock ISD superintendent Hafedh Azaiez emailed a rundown of campus safety procedures.
- "Recently, we were able to leverage a grant from the Texas Education Agency to ensure all elementary campuses have bullet-resistant film on front windows and doors."
- The work was paid for by an $815,000 safety security grant from the state education agency.