Security a top priority as EPISD designs new campuses

EPISD says it is taking safety and security into consideration when finalizing design of new schools.

Officials confirm they re-evaluate security after shootings across the country and they take that into consideration as they design new campuses.

“As we go through this district of innovation, curriculum and the new layouts of the schools, we’ve been invited, the police services department, has been invited to the architect initial meetings,” EPISD Safe & Secure Manager Manuel Chavira said.

As part of the 2016 bond, Burges High School and six other schools will be renovated. Part of the campus would be demolished, other parts renovated. The district will also add a two-story building and enhance the courtyard.

Early renderings also show glass windows which has one parent concerned. In an email stating:

“I don’t know the validity, but the teachers have told the students to have their parents argue against the design of glass walls in the hallway. They said that administration said that this would allow easier observations and accountability. Would this not make it easier for a gunman to see their targets?”

The project is in the design development stage and isn’t official yet. Officials say security is a top priority.

“We’re very much concerned about the wide open areas and it appears there would be a lack of open areas to duck into. But we’ve incorporated some items into our plan that would help ensure that we would keep our kids locked down and safe in the event of an intruder,” Chavira said.

As they continue to share their input, officials say they work around the clock to improve lockdown drills and safety concerns and assure parents their students are safe at school.

“We can’t live our life in fear,” Chavira said.

EPISD said its also considering upping security at all campuses. Visitors are channeled through the front entrance where they’re screened. Officials tell ABC-7 they are looking at beefing it up even more. Some schools have buttons outside the front entrance, before allowing visitors inside. They are looking into implementing that at all campuses.

EPISD held community meetings about the designs for each project during the past year. Projects are still in the design development stage.