The “School Guardian” Program was approved unanimously 7-0 by the DISD Board of Trustees on June 15, 2020 and is going forward to protect the safety and security of students and staff. The program is designed to allow only authorized district employees to possess a firearm on the physical premises of a school or the district as declared by the newly adapted local policy.
The District would permit certain District individuals to possess firearms on District property, after completing necessary evaluation and training requirements (commonly referred to as “School Guardian” program) according to the resolution.
“We would like to thank the board of trustees for making the decision to implement the Guardian program which will add another layer of security measures for our students. These district volunteers will be required to adhere to strict training protocol and safety procedures. The safety and security of our students is paramount for everyone at Devine ISD, and this is evident in the staff response to volunteers interested in becoming Guardians. We received over 40 responses from employees interested in volunteering based on a district survey,” said Dr. Todd Grandjean, Ed.D, Superintendent Devine ISD.
Devine ISD has determined that the safety and security of students and staff is paramount, and the Board of Trustees realizes the District employees will be first on scene in the event of an armed intruder or other dangerous situation; and WHEREAS, Texas Education Code Section 37.102(a) authorizes the Board of Trustees to adopt rules for the protection of District students, employees, and property, and Texas Penal Code Section 46.03(a) permits the Board of Trustees to authorize the possession of a firearm on the physical premises of a school or the District, either through written regulation or written authorization.
The Board of Trustees hereby determines that it would be in the best interest of the District to permit certain District individuals to possess firearms on District property, after completing necessary evaluation and training requirements (commonly referred to as “School Guardian” program).
1. The Board of Trustees determines that it is in the best interest of the District that designated and properly licensed individuals be specifically authorized to possess firearms on the physical premises of the District and at school sponsored events, in order to provide for the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors.
2. The Board of Trustees hereby approves and adopts the proposed amendments to Board Policy CKC LOCAL), Board Policy DH (LOCAL), and Board Policy GKA(LOCAL), as required for the implementation of a School Guardian program.
3. The Board of Trustees authorizes and directs the Superintendent to develop internal rules and procedures for the implementation of a School Guardian program, and to take other reasonable steps in order to fulfill the purposes of this Resolution.
APPROVED unanimously 7-0 by the Board of Trustees on a Phillip Fitch motion which was seconded by Chris Davis to adopt the resolution and revisions to Board Policy as presented by the Superintendent Dr. Todd Grandjean.. This was to establish the guardian program.
Devine approves normal school year/ calendar for now
Devine ISD approved a “usual” 9 month school calendar with 172 school days (77,100 minutes) and know that any day things can change due to the coronavirus pandemic depending on which direction it heads. But a plan had to be made so staff can prepare for the upcoming school year. First day of school for Devine students would be August 24, 2020 with graduation on May 28, 2021. Teachers would start back on August 10th.
Devine started school on August 26, 2019 last year and ended on May 28. They were forced like all other schools across the country to close down the buildings and teach students online or send packets home due to the coronavirus worldwide pandemic. Devine went into spring break on March 8 and that was the last day any students walked the hallways together. Everything was done from home online or by paper packets. A slowing down of the virus allowed actual in person graduations for some schools that choose to keep with tradition like Devine.
“As of today, Devine ISD is planning to follow the adopted calendar for the 2020-21 school year”, said Devine ISD Superintendent Dr. Todd Grandjean. “It is possible that things could change if statutes or mandates are prescribed at the state or federal level. District principals, administrators, and the board of trustees are in a continuous mode of planning that includes long-range options for instruction and changes that could occur to put the district in a position to drastically adapt at a moment’s notice. We will continue to provide information to parents and the community as this process develops.”
By K.athleen Calame
Publisher, The Devine News
