Gadsden ISD rolls out Parents on Patrol (POP) initiative to address school security needs

In response to its ongoing struggles to secure armed security for its campuses, Gadsden Independent School District has launched a novel initiative: Parents on Patrol (PoP). This community-based program enables parents to take an active role in ensuring the safety of their children's schools by serving as volunteer patrol guards.

Parents were introduced to the initiative during a board meeting by Superintendent Travis Dempsey. After undergoing background checks and receiving security training from the district, they are now equipped to maintain the security of school premises. Their responsibilities include monitoring school doors and windows and maintaining vigilance for potential security threats.

The parents involved in the PoP program are hopeful that their presence on campus can act as a deterrent to anyone contemplating harmful actions. Superintendent Dempsey has been coordinating closely with these parent volunteers in an effort to enhance school safety across the district. This is particularly crucial given Gadsden's expansive territory of over 1,400 square miles, which brings with it distinct security challenges.