Trustees focus on safety plans for 2022-2023 year

By Melinda L. Lucas

Former DPS officer and current county constable Xaiver Perez was offered a 187-day one-year employment agreement for a new position as Director of School Safety and Operations at the end of a July 18 board meeting as Albany ISD trustees continue to make strides toward more rigorous security policies.

AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott said at press time that details with Perez’s employment are ongoing, but “from all indications, we feel that this is going to work out.”

Scott said that Perez will “have the opportunity” to continue working as constable, but “during the times he is on site and working for the district, that will be his focus and full responsibility.”

The action came after an hour-long closed session on Monday night, during which other safety plans were discussed in accordance with Gov. Greg Abbott’s directives.

Separate motions approved a local policy for a Guardian Plan and for the authorization of “one or more designated district employees to possess certain firearms while on campus and while attending school-sponsored or school-related events.”

Scott explained that the district is moving toward what is known as a School Marshal Plan, but because of the required training hours, that program cannot be in place before the school year begins.

“Most districts in the state want to have Marshals, but there are only two classes offered every year, with 80 hours of training required,” said Scott.

The Guardian Plan, with 16 hours of required training, is intended to provide hand-picked armed educators or school employees the ability to defend themselves and students in the event of an active shooter.

A detailed article about the district’s plans for school safety will be published next week.

Teacher Returns

Elementary principal John Gallagher reported that former employee Whitney Bennett is returning to teach fourth grade math.

Kelly Windham, who was hired several weeks ago for that position, has been reassigned to the secondary counselor position after the resignation of Michaela Bradford earlier this month.

The board extended a one-year probationary contract to Bennett on Gallagher’s recommendation.

Other Business

•The board opted not to sign a contract for sports radio broadcasting.

•Scott noted that there is currently a vacancy on the board after the resignation of Cory Brown, who moved out of the district.

•Scott briefly reviewed the preliminary budget, based on a tax rate of 94.41 cents, stating that the final numbers must be formally adopted by the end of August. The budget will be “pretty defined” by the next meeting on Aug. 15, with a special session on Aug. 31 for final approval.