Trustees hear safety, Guardian programs

By Melissa McCaghren

Slatonite GM

The Slaton Independent School District Board of Trustees heard an update about efforts to institute a Guardian program in the District Tuesday evening (July 19) during its regular Board meeting.

Superintendent Jim Andrus   said the District has a safety and security committee, with standard response protocol taught to teachers so there was a common language.

He added Gov. Greg Abbott and others put out June 1 some additional safety measures for each school to include in their programs before the start of the year.

These new measures, brought in light of the Uvalde shooting, include a study and check up on security on all buildings and creating a detailed system to ensure all safety items are in place.

Andrus added he also would be attending a Secret Service workshop for Superintendents on safety.

He added the District has set a date for the Guardian  program training, Aug. 14-15, and 24 people in the District had signed up.

Andrus said the training will be extensive and not everyone will make it through, but it would involve training, psychiatric evaluations and other factors to carry. A District committee interview would also be done to ensure those wishing to conceal carry were prepared.

There is no financial benefit to those who carry, as Andrus said they did not want decisions to be based on need.

For more information, including other items discussed at the meeting, please read the Thursday edition of The Slatonite.