TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District is taking a major step toward increasing the safety and security of its students and staff with the approval of impact-resistant film for all TISD campuses.
The Temple ISD Board of Trustees recently approved the purchase and installation of the impact-resistant film. The proposal approved will allow Temple ISD to install the impact-resistant film on all first-floor doors and windows at each of the district’s 15 campuses. The $1.1 million project will be funded through grant money with none of the cost being passed on to taxpayers.
“The safety of our students and staff is job one. In order to expect maximum potential, students and staff must feel safe,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of schools for Temple ISD. “Whether portable removal, security vestibules, or armed officers, we strive to meet the safety expectations and standards of our community. Through my annual community presentations and the passage of previous bonds, the community has spoken of these things directly, and this is an obligation we are committed to meet.”
Having the impact-resistant film on all first-floor windows and doors exceeds the Texas Education Agency’s requirements for school districts, but it also reflects the community expectations for safety and security established during the development and passage of Temple ISD’s Bond 2022 package. Stakeholders expressed their desire for the district to improve campus safety through the addition of security vestibules and removal of portable buildings. One of the first projects completed from the Bond 2022 package was the construction of security vestibules at Hector P. Garcia Elementary School, Kennedy-Powell Elementary School, and Raye-Allen Elementary School. Security vestibule upgrades were also completed at Jefferson Elementary School and Thornton Elementary School. The removal of portable buildings across the district is being addressed by several projects that are either completed or in progress. The construction of Sampson-Howard Elementary School was the first project to be completed. Classroom additions are currently underway at Hector P. Garcia Elementary School, Kennedy-Powell Elementary School, Raye-Allen Elementary School, and Scott Elementary School. Additions and renovations are scheduled to start soon at Western Hills Elementary School. Two years ago, Temple ISD also approved, outside of the bond, hiring armed security officers so that every campus in the district would have an armed security officer or police officer on site.
“We have always been a proactive school district and do not play from behind. This is another example, and when you regularly engage your community, it allows you to have collaborative foresight to take the lead on programming,” Ott added. “I do not know of another district in Texas that is going above and beyond in this manner, and I am proud of Temple ISD, and our community, for making this move.”
Installation of the impact-resistant film across the district is expected to begin over the winter break. Temple ISD trustees and administrators are also continuing to evaluate all safety and security measures for future upgrades and enhancements.