Uvalde CISD amends policy to allow reserve school officers; board limits responding to off‑campus incidents without superintendent approval

UVALDE, Texas — The Uvalde CISD Board of Trustees adopted a policy amendment allowing reserve law‑enforcement officers to serve as volunteers with the district police department, subject to training requirements and administrative oversight.

Administration said the change follows the most recent Texas legislative action permitting school districts to utilize reserve officers. The replacement policy (CKE local) permits the district to accept volunteering reserve officers who maintain certifications and complete required training; administration said reservists would typically be used for after‑school events and to cover planned officer absences without requiring overtime.

Why it matters: Reserve officers can expand the district’s security staffing for athletic events and other functions without incurring overtime, but trustees raised liability and scope questions during the discussion. Superintendent Colas and legal counsel said reservists would be covered under the district’s insurance when acting in a district role and would be required to follow the Uvalde CISD Police Department handbook and school‑based law enforcement training.

Trustee amendment and limits: During debate trustees asked that the policy explicitly prohibit reservists from responding to off‑campus critical incidents under the district commission. The board adopted CKE local with language (as described at the meeting) stating reservists “cannot respond to critical incidents under our commission” without superintendent approval. Trustees said reservists would be volunteers, not employees, and would be subject to background checks and the same policy and training expectations as district officers.

What was decided: The board voted to delete CKEA local and adopt replacement CKE local, with the amendment limiting reservists’ authority on critical incidents. The administration will proceed with implementing the volunteer approval process and training schedule and will present updates on reservist approvals to the board as requested.

Speakers quoted in this story spoke at the public meeting and are identified in district records.