Keller Independent School District trustees unanimously approved a resolution declaring a "good cause" exception to the House Bill 3 requirement that each campus have at least one commissioned peace officer present during regular school hours.
The resolution cites Texas Education Code section 37.0814 and records the board’s determination that Keller ISD cannot ensure a commissioned peace officer at every campus because of limited funding and local jurisdictions’ inability to provide qualified personnel. "The board of trustees hereby determines that the district's noncompliance is due to insufficient funding available for commissioned peace officers and local jurisdictions' inability to provide qualified personnel," the resolution reads as presented by administration staff.
Why it matters: HB3 requires an armed security officer on each campus; the statute allows districts to claim a good‑cause exception and implement an alternative standard if they are unable to provide commissioned peace officers. By adopting the resolution, the board documented the district’s rationale and the alternative approach it will use to meet the statutory requirement.
Administration told the board Keller ISD currently complies with HB3 operationally by using a combination of school resource officers and district armed security officers so that an armed officer will be present on campuses during school hours. The resolution must be re‑evaluated annually, and staff said they will revisit staffing and funding as circumstances change.
The motion to adopt the resolution passed 7‑0. Administration said the resolution and documented alternative standard will be maintained in district records as required by statute.
All quoted language in this article is taken from the board meeting transcript and the resolution read into the record.