La Grange School Board Hears Security Update

The Uvalde school massacre has prompted schools around the state to take a close look at security. La Grange I.S.D. Director of Operations Sharon Muzny updated the school board Monday night on several school safety improvements that the district recently completed.

Problems with school doors played a big role in the Uvalde schooting. Muzny said staff identified and fixed two unsecure school doors at La Grange I.S.D.

“They were known to not latch 100 percent of the time,” she said.

In addition, she said the district is obtaining quotes to replace some classroom doors that can’t be locked from the inside.

Muzny said district staff will be trained on reunification after emergencies during an August inservice date. Muzny said she plans to invite the La Grange Police Department and Fayette County Sheriff’s Office to participate in emergency drills at the school. She also said the district would host an open house for law enforcement next month.

“Local law enforcement from around the County can come in and tour our campuses and also go over emergency plans with them,” Muzny said.

Muzny said the district is setting up software for behavioral threat reporting, monitoring and documenting, along with software for suicide awareness. She said these software improvements have been mandated by the State.

In addition, Muzny said the district is adding security cameras on campuses during the summer break.

The Texas Tribune reported on Thursday, June 30, that Texas School Safety Center plans to start randomly checking school buildings this September with a goal of inspecting 100% of school districts and 75% of campuses across the state by the end of the school year.