Deer Park ISD Reassures Parents And Students Of Secure Schools

DEER PARK, TX — It’s been two weeks since the shooting at Santa Fe High School that claimed 10 lives, and injured 13, and with the school year waning and graduations on the horizon, districts are taking a hard look at their security on and off campus.

In Deer Park ISD, school district officials are looking at implementing enhanced security measures that will be funded through proceeds from the 2017 bond package.

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Deer Park was one of dozens of Houston area school districts that enacted tighter security the day after the shooting at Santa Fe High School — only a few miles from Deer Park — which included police, and school administrators scanning school IDs as they greeted students coming in the school.

The $156 million bond approved last year, includes $3 million in security upgrades at school campuses.

Part of those upgrades will come in the form of newer security cameras at each of the campuses, installing shatter-resistant window film, updating visitor check-in system, purchasing panic alarms, and installing improved safety lighting at Deer Park ISD facilities.

Deer Park ISD Superintendent Victor White sent a message to parents, students and teachers last week, reassuring everyone that the district was taking steps to ensure the safety of everyone on their campuses, and cited Deer Park’s school safety program.

Some of those procedures and enhancements include:

• Increased police officers present at high school campuses and counselors available to provide support to students who have emotional needs.
• Backpacks were prohibited after Santa Fe shooting.
• Security officer at each public and student entrance in all high schools
• Teachers and administrators are on duty at various locations before and after school at each campus.
• Continuous review of safety and emergency operations procedures
• Incorporated use of security vestibules and exterior locking doors at schools.

“On their own, none of these efforts will make a significant effect on student safety, but together, they can have a huge impact on school security,” White said in his message.

Aside from the physical security aspects of Deer Park ISD, White added that many tragedies like the Santa Fe shooting were probably prevented in Deer Park, because of the “bravery and diligence” of their staff, administrators, students, and community members who worked collectively to diffuse any threats.

“Every day, our students and staff members make a difference by doing their part to keep our schools safe. They make a difference in the lives of children in need by reaching out to them and providing support,” White said. “Keeping our schools safe for all students and staff members is an ongoing process, and we will never stop working to improve security.”

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