BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSSES CAMPUS SECURITY
Brenham School Trustees spent a lot of time discussing campus security during their meeting Thursday evening. Assistant Superintendent Paul Aschenbeck said the safety and security of students is their top priority. He explained to the trustees that an audit of security measures is required by the state every 3 years and the administration is currently reviewing it. Board member Susan Jenkins asked since all of the classroom doors open outward, if there was a better way to secure them from the inside if a shelter in place order was given. Aschenbeck said there are several different door designs used in the district and they are looking at the various options to see what will work best. Board President Natalie Lange asked about the Jr. High School and what could be done to make that campus more secure. Aschenbeck said that building was the most challenging in the district due to it being constructed when campus security was not a concern. He said they were looking into some fencing designs and a vestibule entry for the building. Superintendent Walter Jackson said that the district also needs to work with the students to help understand that we live in a time where you can’t go around trusting everyone. Brenham Police Captain Dant Lange spoke to the board and explained that an officer is on each campus each day. He said that the 296 cameras that the district has on the various campuses can now be viewed from the 911 dispatch center. He also explained that Brenham officers have active shooter training on the campuses so they are familiar with the layout of each school and they also train on a retired school bus.
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Jamey Johnson updated the board on the District of Innovation plan. She explained that the change has allowed the district not only to adjust the calendar to have more classroom hours early in the school year, but also to hire a Criminal Justice teacher who is a retired officer with many years of experience in law enforcement. Johnson also reviewed several programs that the district offers such as the Gateway Program for gifted and talented students, the AVID Program and the English Language Learning Program for bi-lingual students. Superintendent Jackson reminded the board the district offers a lot of choices for parents and students.
This month, the board awarded the “You Make a Difference” award to Blue Bell Creameries for all of their contributions to the staff and students of Brenham ISD. Wayne Hugo, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Blue Bell accepted the award. The board also took time to recognize the LEGO Research and Competition Teams and this year’s Science Fair winners.
The board went into an Executive Session after the public meeting to discuss personnel matters. No action was expected after the executive session.
