TEXARKANA, Texas -- Texarkana Independent School District Board of Trustees approved $1.95 million from its fund balance for the upgrading and installing of additional school safety measures across its campuses during a regular board meeting Wednesday.
Planned upgrades include access control electronic security devices, security fencing, additional cameras and security glass film on all entrance doors.
The measure comes in the wake of the May 24 shooting that left 19 children and two adults dead at school in Uvalde, Texas, which prompting many school districts across the state to reevaluate their procedures.
During a May 25 board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Doug Brubaker said the district planned to review and reassess its safety protocols.
During a report to the board on Wednesday, the district's Long Range Planning Committee identified safety and security as an area for improvement at TISD.
"I think we're all mindful of the need for safety and security, and we're always looking for ways to enhance safety and security at our schools for our students, staff and our community," Brubaker said. "We're excited to be able to do these upgrades as soon as we can, and to access those funds in order to do it."
The board also approved the 2022-23 budget and held discussions on a proposed tax rate. The district's tax rate for the 2022-23 fiscal year will be formally adopted at the August or September regular board meeting, after the Texas Education Agency releases the Maximum Compressed Tax Rate for Maintenance and Operations for the district.
Chief Financial Officer Anita Clay said she expects around a 10-cent decrease to the total tax rate. This would be the fourth year in a row TISD has lowered its maintenance and operation rate.
The board's next meeting is July 27.