Lancaster ISD board unanimously backs security grant application and emergency wage payments

The Lancaster ISD Board of Trustees approved two resolutions during its Feb. 11 working session: one supporting submission of an Active Attack Response Grant application and another authorizing wage payments for nonexempt employees for the district’s January emergency school closing.

Chief Worley told the board the Office of the Governor’s Active Attack Response Grant is available to purchase ballistic shields and breaching tools to expand coverage across campuses; the district previously received eight shields and now seeks to fill gaps at 11 campuses. Staff said a rule change required a board resolution prior to application, and the grant application deadline fell before the next regular meeting. Trustee Cortez moved to approve the resolution; Trustee Jones seconded. The voice vote was recorded as unanimous.

Separately, Ms. Pipkins presented a resolution to continue wage payments for full- and part-time employees who did not report during the district’s January inclement-weather closure, citing board policy that employees receive regular pay during emergency closings. Trustee Morris moved; Trustee Plouffe seconded. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote to ensure timely payroll processing.

What the motions mean: The grant resolution authorizes staff to apply for state funding to purchase specified security equipment; board approval of wage payments authorizes payroll actions to pay nonexempt employees for the emergency closure days.

Provenance: Both resolutions were presented and voted on during the Feb. 11 working session.