District hires police officers and updates safety measures ahead of school year

Safety and Security Take Center Stage at Lake Dallas ISD Board Meeting

Safety measures for students and staff were a primary focus during the Lake Dallas Independent School District (ISD) Board Meeting on April 21, 2025. The district is ramping up efforts to ensure a secure learning environment, with significant updates on hiring district police officers and enhancing emergency response systems.

The district plans to hire police officers by July 28, allowing them to undergo mandatory training before teachers return on August 4. This initiative aims to integrate officers into the school community, fostering familiarity and support as the new school year begins.

In addition to personnel changes, Lake Dallas ISD has been proactive in conducting intruder detection audits across its campuses. Four out of five campuses have completed these audits, with the middle school pending. Encouragingly, no safety issues have been reported, indicating that staff and students are effectively maintaining secure environments.

The district recently concluded its third safety and security committee meeting for the school year, with plans for the next meeting scheduled for August. All campuses are on track to complete their emergency drills by May, with Shady Shores Elementary recognized for finishing all drills ahead of schedule.

A notable upgrade in safety technology is the transition from Raptor to Cintegix Crisis Alert for silent panic alerts. This new system will feature panic buttons that activate strobe lights in classrooms and trigger announcements on the PA system, aligning with legislative requirements for emergency responses.

These initiatives underscore Lake Dallas ISD's commitment to creating a safe and secure educational environment, ensuring that both students and staff are well-prepared for the upcoming school year.