Board approves resolution authorizing six licensed guardians to carry concealed handguns on school property

HALE CENTER ISD trustees voted 6-0 on Jan. 12, 2026, to approve a resolution authorizing six new guardians licensed by the State of Texas to carry concealed handguns on school premises and at all school-sponsored and school-related activities. Jack Needham moved the resolution and Heath Huffhines seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The action followed a closed session under Texas Government Code §551.076 in which the board deliberated the implementation of armed security personnel or devices. President Pam Johnson announced the closed meeting began at 6:55 p.m. and reconvened at 7:12 p.m.; the open-session vote was recorded at SEG 003. "Jack Needham moved to approve the resolution and authorize 6 new guardians who are licensed by the State of Texas to carry concealed handguns, to carry such weapons on school premises and all school-sponsored and school-related activities," the minutes record.

Board members voting yes were Pam Johnson, Paul Chandler, Chance Crossland, Heath Huffhines, Troy McGann and Jack Needham. The resolution text in the minutes specifies the guardians must be licensed by the State of Texas; the minutes do not specify which employees or contractors will serve as guardians, the selection process, training requirements, storage/transport protocols, or an implementation timeline.

The meeting record shows no public comment on this agenda item. The board took the vote in open session following the closed deliberation; no further administrative assignments or follow-up dates were recorded in the meeting minutes. The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.