When it comes to safety, the Lubbock Independent School District wants parents to know that officials take multiple security measures to protect kids.
“When I’m making my classroom walks every morning and afternoon, I’m not only checking on the classrooms. I’m also checking those exterior doors. When we take the kids outside for recess, we want to make sure that that faculty know that that door closes behind me. I cannot take a day off when it comes to safety and security for these kids,” said Kevin Booe, principal of Miller Elementary School.
Some security measures include security cameras surrounding all sides of each school, automatically locked doors and lockdown drills.
Booe says communicating with his faculty and always knowing what’s going on is important.
“Technology, as far as communication wise and cutting that unknown time, is extremely key,” he said. “Making sure whatever the perceived threat is to and making sure everybody is safe and secure on campus and in the building. That’s what’s so huge.”
LISD stresses that their No. 1 priority is the safety of children.
“When a child walks through our doors, we treat them as if they’re our own children, and we do everything we can to keep them safe,” said Nancy Sharp, LISD executive director of communications and community relations.
Another important security measure: There are red buttons dispersed throughout every school in town in case of emergencies. If this button is pressed, the school is locked down and police are dispatched.
“Every one of the schools in Texas have a safety plan. The principals are required for those,” LISD Police Chief Jody Scifres said. “They have plans they share with the staff and the students of course so they can be prepared for anything that happens.”
