AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Independent School District is announcing new safety measures for the next school year.

In an email to parents, AISD Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz wrote that the safety of students is the district's top priority. Cruz said students and staff need to feel safe to excel in a positive learning environment.

The next steps further the current safety measures in place with a proposed budget of $1.7 million.

Safety changes include adding five more police officers on campuses and updating the safety check system. More emergency staff members would also be added to schools.

A tracking system would also be in place for students who ride the bus to ensure they make it home and to school safely. Call boxes and security cameras will also be added to all AISD high schools and middle schools.   

The district will also strengthen the mental health services available for students. Alongside school counselors, licensed mental health professionals will be staffed at School Mental Health Centers open to any student.

“These efforts are important, but we know that safety is more complex than training and funding. The difference between students knowing that they’re safe and feeling that they’re safe—a concept known as “felt safety”—can have a huge effect on their time at school,” said Cruz.

Full letter below:

The safety of our students is our most important priority, especially as events throughout the state and nation continue to affect them. Moreover, we know that our students and staff need safe, positive learning environments so they can learn and excel.

We want to share just a few of the steps that we have taken to keep our children safe on AISD campuses. Please know that some of these efforts are in addition to the support and resources already in place. 

  • The district’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes an additional $1.7 million for comprehensive safety measures, such as:
    • Five additional police officers.
    • Upgrades to our Raptor safety check system.
    • An additional emergency management staff member.
    • A system for tracking students who ride the bus.
    • Call boxes and additional cameras at all high schools and middle schools.
  • The 2017 Bond included $26.6 million dedicated to life safety and police equipment updates districtwide. These safety upgrades include security cameras, and security system and police radio and dispatch updates. 
  • In collaboration with Vida Clinic and Integral Care with our Multi-tiered System of Support – school counselors, licensed mental health professionals and other community organizations, such as Communities in Schools of Central Texas – we offer a continuum of mental health services all year.
  • In addition to the School Mental Health Centers at the secondary level, we have added 22 elementary campuses through a $4.7 million Victims of Crime Act grant from the Office of the Governor. The School Mental Health Centers are open to all AISD students.
  • We recently received a $3.5 million grant to expand our culturally responsive restorative practices. These practices prioritize relationships among students, staff, families and the community, so that together we can build a strong, inclusive culture and climate at our schools.

These efforts are important, but we know that safety is more complex than training and funding. The difference between students knowing that they’re safe and feeling that they’re safe—a concept known as “felt safety”—can have a huge effect on their time at school. 

So, we’re taking a comprehensive approach to school safety, focusing on the physical, psychological and emotional safety of our children, as well as continuing to expand social and emotional learning practices.

We will continue to work together with our students, families, staff, community and law enforcement partners to create campuses that not only are safe, but that make our students feel safe. 

Sincerely,

Paul Cruz, Ph.D.