During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on enhancing safety training for school faculty in response to growing concerns about situational awareness and active shooter events. A participant raised the question of whether the district had considered offering similar training to that provided by another institution, which included situational awareness training for faculty.
In response, it was confirmed that the district had implemented \"craze training,\" a program developed by Texas State University, which focuses on citizens' responses to active shooter situations. This training was conducted last year, with school CEOs delivering a one-hour session to faculty across various buildings. However, concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of this training duration, particularly for individuals without law enforcement backgrounds, as situational awareness may not come naturally to them.
The discussion highlighted the belief that safety training should be ongoing and not limited to a single session. There was a consensus that annual training would be beneficial, and efforts are underway to incorporate this into the annual training menu for teachers. However, logistical challenges were noted, including contractual limitations on training hours and the need to balance safety training with other educational priorities.
State education guidelines mandate that safety training must be conducted before the school year begins, and the district is exploring various methods to fulfill this requirement, including faculty meetings and communication with parents. The speaker, a former certified craze trainer, expressed a strong desire to continue this training and emphasized its value in raising awareness among faculty.
The meeting also addressed a serious incident involving the discovery of handguns in middle schools, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and training within the district. The discussions reflect a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and preparedness of school staff in the face of potential threats.