DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – Dallas ISD is rolling out a number of ways to improve school security across the district in the wake of May’s elementary school massacre in Uvalde.
The District has recently spent close to $100 million of safety enhancement, utilizing funds approved in a 2020 bond election.
“Ensuring we have secure vestibules, weapon detection systems, classroom safety door locks and devices,” Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde said.
All Dallas secondary schools will be equipped with metal detectors to begin the 2022-2023 school year. Backpacks are required to be clear.
Over the summer, DISD Emergency Management staff visited campuses to check if buildings could be accessed through unlocked doors or by using an unauthorized key. Additionally, anonymous team members made random visits to see if they were stopped by staff and escorted to the main office, which is the standard protocol. The results from these visits were used by the task forces as data points for their recommendations.
Currently, Emergency Safety teams are inspecting every exterior door and lock at all campuses before school starts.
By the end of August, all campuses will complete an additional review of building access, door locks, monitoring and surveillance systems, parking, cafeterias, referral resources and many other safety and intervention measures, according to the district. All schools will also be required to schedule and conduct four safety drills by September 15.
Previously, the district conducted campus security checks once every three years, but following state requirements, those will now take place every year. The state also requires a weekly door check. DISD plans to inspect all outside doors twice a week.
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