In a recent government meeting, school district trustees emphasized the critical importance of safety in schools, particularly in light of changing parental priorities. Over the past few years, parents have increasingly voiced that safety is their top concern when selecting educational environments for their children. This shift has prompted legislative actions, including House Bill 3, which mandates the presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) in every school.

The district has proactively prioritized safety measures, implementing SROs and enhancing security features such as fencing and panic buttons before being required to do so by law. Trustees expressed their commitment to maintaining and strengthening partnerships with local law enforcement, particularly with the city of Cibolo, to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Trustees highlighted the positive relationships that SROs develop with students, fostering a sense of community and safety within schools. They underscored the importance of these officers not just as law enforcement but as integral members of the school environment, contributing to a supportive atmosphere for students.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential challenges faced by Cibolo in continuing this partnership, but trustees urged the city to negotiate in good faith, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the agreement. They pointed out that the majority of the community's population is present in schools during the day, making the safety of these environments paramount.

The trustees reiterated their hope for a continued collaboration with Cibolo, noting that the current agreement has been beneficial for both the city and the school district since its inception. They set a deadline of July 15 for Cibolo to respond to the proposed agreement, indicating that a lack of response would be interpreted as a refusal, prompting the district to explore alternative safety measures.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's unwavering commitment to student safety and the importance of community partnerships in achieving this goal.