As Killeen ISD prepares to welcome students back Aug. 13, district leaders know that safety is top of mind for many families.
Over the spring and summer, the district has taken meaningful steps to strengthen security, improve operations and reinforce a culture where safety comes first on every campus. While not every security detail can be shared publicly, families can be assured that multiple layers of prevention, protection and response are in place — all with the goal of helping every student feel secure, supported and ready to learn.
“We know families are concerned, and we share that concern,” Scott Hequembourg, Deputy Superintendent for Business and Operations, said. “We’ve been working hard to make noticeable changes to our operations and culture to ensure safety is at the forefront of everything we do. If we don’t have public safety, we don’t have public education — and we are committed to making sure every student walks into school each day feeling secure, supported and ready to learn.”
VISIBLE SAFETY MEASURES ACROSS CAMPUSES
Here are some of the safety and security measures in place every day across KISD:
KISD Police Department Presence
Killeen ISD operates its own licensed police department with 64 officers and 2 K9s. Every school outside of Fort Hood is supported by a KISD police officer or armed security guard who monitors daily activity, builds relationships with students and staff, and responds when needed. We are working to expand our presence on Fort Hood.
Expanded Safety and Threat Assessment Staff
To meet growing needs, Killeen ISD has expanded its safety team to include 10 dedicated safety specialists and two investigators — a major increase from previous years. These experts work closely with schools to assess risks, provide training and help ensure a safe learning environment for every student. The district’s standard is to follow up on 100% of reported allegations.
Locked Classroom and Exterior Doors
All classrooms remain locked when students are present. Exterior doors are kept locked and regularly checked, and student accessible secondary entrances have cameras to alert staff if they’re breached.
Weapons Detection Systems
For the first time, every Killeen ISD campus — elementary, middle and high school — is now equipped with weapons detection systems at multiple entrances. This marks a major shift from previous years, when secondary campuses used the systems occasionally, and elementary schools did not have them at all. The districtwide implementation is aimed at helping prevent dangerous items from entering school buildings and increasing safety for all students and staff.
Silent Panic Alert Technology
Every school is equipped with a one-touch system that can immediately notify law enforcement and emergency personnel in case of urgent situations.
Visitor Screening
All visitors must check in through an ID system that scans the national sex offender registry. All visitors — including parents and guardians — must pass through the same weapons detection systems used by students upon entry.
Clear and Mesh Backpack Policy
To reduce the risk of concealed prohibited items, all students are required to use clear or mesh backpacks. More details are available at www.killeenisd.org/clearbags.
Annual Safety Audits
Each school undergoes regular safety audits — both internal and external — to ensure protocols are up to date and followed.
Designated Campus Safety Liaisons
Each campus has a designated safety liaison working closely with the district’s Investigations and School Safety team.
Staff Training and Safety Drills
KISD staff participate in regular emergency response training, and all schools hold routine drills to practice lockdowns, evacuations and other safety protocols in age-appropriate ways.
Anonymous Reporting Available 24/7
Students, families and staff can report threats or safety concerns anonymously at any time through the KISD Bully and Threat Reporter, available online 24/7 at www.KISDisSafe.com.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFER SCHOOLS
District leaders emphasize that school safety is not just about one program or device — it’s about building a strong, layered system that involves people, preparation and partnerships.
“No single safety measure works in isolation,” said Chuck Kelley, executive director of investigations and school safety. “We are constantly working across departments to layer our security efforts — combining people, technology and preparation — so that when challenges arise, we’re ready to respond quickly and effectively.”
Hequembourg emphasized that school safety is a shared responsibility across the district and the community.
“Over the past several months, KISD’s leadership has met with families across our district to hear their concerns, their ideas and their hopes for stronger school safety,” Hequembourg said. “We know that creating a safe learning environment takes all of us — staff, students, families and community members working together. We are grateful to everyone who has joined these conversations and committed to helping make Killeen ISD a place where every child can learn, grow and shine.”
To learn more about Killeen ISD’s safety measures or to submit a report, visit www.killeenisd.org/safety.