AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Eanes ISD trustees voted Tuesday to form a school district police department, with intent to have a fully commissioned police force in place by early 2024.
District officials say the move aligns with the recent passage of House Bill 3 from the Texas Legislature. That bill, assuming Gov. Greg Abbott moves ahead and signs it into law, will call on schools across the state to have at least one armed security officer present and on campus during regular school hours.
The comprehensive policy approved by the Board delineates specific training, protocols and procedures in accordance with state law enforcement code and Texas Education Agency requirements. District officials say it places a strong emphasis on training related to student mental health, restorative justice and accommodations for students with special needs.
"The Eanes ISD Board of Trustees remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety of our students and staff,” said Board President James Spradley. “We have always held this responsibility as a top priority; by establishing a dedicated police department, we are taking proactive measures to create a more secure, welcoming environment for the entire school community.”
The district currently employs two school resource officers from the Travis County Sheriff's office in addition to six security staff members. Those positions represent an annual cost of $935,000. The new department, comprising 15 employees, is estimated to cost $1.6 million a year. District officials say that HB3 provides minimal funding to offset these costs.