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.