Texas ISD Makes Major Security Upgrades Over the Summer

Texas ISD Makes Major Security Upgrades Over the Summer

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD implemented new physical and digital safety measures over the summer, and plans to invest $31 million in school safety measures over the next five years.

  • By Kaitlyn DeHaven
  • August 09, 2019

Over this summer, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD made some major security upgrades to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Dr. John Chapman, the superintendent of Carrollton-Farms Branch ISD said these measures stem from the fact the world has changed so much.

"Whenever I started in education, this was never even heard of. Unfortunately, the world has changed and we are having to take precautions," Chapman said.

In January, CFBISD hired a new safety director, Mario De La Rosa. Since then, the district has implemented new physical and digital safety measures, and plans to invest $31 million in school safety measures over the next five years.

Two apps will now be used as part of the security measures — the Anonymous Alerts app and the Smart Button. The “Anonymous Alerts” app gives students the opportunity to share concerns about mental health, bullying or any other forms of violence without being at risk of being identified. The Smart Button, however, is an emergency alert system for staff. In the event of an emergency, staff can hold down the “Smart Button” on the screen for three seconds, and it will launch an alert.

"It'll give us the exact location and room number where that person pressed the panic button," De La Rosa said.

De La Rosa emphasized that this app does not replace 911, but will allow on-site personnel to go directly to where the alert was issued to ensure a rapid response.

"Police, emergency services...we wanna be able to go wherever the emergency is occurring," De La Rosa said.

In terms of physical security, the district installed video intercoms at each school entrance.

"You can't just walk in or be buzzed in. You have to go through the intercom system. You're going to be vetted before you get there," Chapman said.

About the Author

Kaitlyn DeHaven is the Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • CISA Releases Anonymous Threat Response Guidance and Toolkit for K-12 Schools

    The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently released the Anonymized Threat Response Guidance: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools, a new resource to help kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools and their law enforcement and community partners create tailored approaches to addressing anonymous threats of violence, including those received on social media. The toolkit outlines steps school leaders can take to assess and respond to anonymous threats, better prepare for and prevent future threats, and work in coordination with law enforcement and other local partners when these threats arise. It is co-sealed with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which provided expert feedback on the toolkit’s key principles and strategies. Read Now

  • How Hospitals are Using Modern Technology to Improve Security

    Workplace violence is a serious and growing challenge for many organizations — including those in the healthcare industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in healthcare and social services experience the highest rates of injuries caused by workplace violence and are five times as likely to suffer a workplace violence injury than workers overall — and aggressive incidents are rising. Read Now

  • Father of Georgia School Shooting Suspect Charged in Connection With Attack

    Colin Gray, the father of the 14-year-old Georgia school shooting suspect, has also been charged in connection with the attack. The 54-year-old father was charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children. Read Now

  • Safeguarding Stony Brook University Hospital: HALO’S Commitment to Health & Safety

    The healthcare industry is experiencing an alarming escalation of violence, including an increase in threats against healthcare workers. As a result, it is looking for ways to be proactive and protect its staff and patients.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,  the rate of injuries from violent attacks against medical professionals grew by 63% from 2011 to 2018 and hospital safety directors say that aggression against staff escalated as the COVID-19 pandemic intensified in 2020.      Read Now

Most   Popular

Webinars