Harris County Expands Safe School Commission to Enhance School Safety and Inclusivity
In a unanimous vote Tuesday, Harris County Commissioners Court approved a plan by Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones to strengthen and expand the Harris County Safe School Commission (SSC).
The Court unanimously created the SSC at the recommendation of Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey in June 2022, in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting that tragically took the lives of 19 students and 2 teachers.
The SSC was tasked with generating recommendations on how Harris County could support improved safety Harris County’s 25 Independent School Districts and private schools during the 2022-2023 school year.
Commissioner Briones reconvened the Safe School Commission earlier this year so that action could be taken to implement these strategies and other national best practices, as well as enhance collaboration, training, and communication between the over 75 law enforcement agencies and 25 Independent School Districts in Harris County.
“As a mother of three daughters and as a former teacher, nothing is more important to me than ensuring the safety of our children and our educators. The start of this new school year is the perfect time to strengthen the Safe Schools Commission and take action on the recommendations -- reaffirming our commitment to a community where everyone can thrive at school without fear of violence. This is what all our children deserve.” Commissioner Briones said.
Under changes recommended by Commissioner Briones, the Safe Schools Commission, which began as an ad hoc committee, will now become a standing body - meeting on a regular basis - and will operate under newly approved bylaws. The SSC will also add two at-large, voting positions designated for high school students. Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen, who previously served as an advisor to the Commission, will hold a non-voting, ex officio position, along with representatives from the Harris County Department of Education’s Center for Safe and Secure Schools and the Region 4 Education Service Center. These changes will ensure permanence, consistency, and more inclusive representation on the board so that the SSC can more effectively be a change-agent in the County.
The current SSC members are Saami Baig, former co-executive director, March For Our Lives Houston and recent high school graduate; Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca, former teacher and past HISD trustee; Traci Latson, HISD teacher; Jenny McGown, Klein ISD superintendent, and Calandrian Simpson-Kemp, gun violence prevention advocate.
During its July 30 meeting, the SSC set key priorities including:
- Emergency responder radio access
- Emergency responder access to key/lock boxes
- Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office annual lock inspections
"The establishment of the Harris County School Safe Commission has been a critical step in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and educators. This Commission has successfully brought together key stakeholders, fostered a broad and inclusive discussion on school safety, and taken tangible steps toward achieving our goals. By formalizing these efforts through our bylaws, we are putting a definitive stamp on our collective progress, ensuring that the strides we've made will continue to protect and enhance the safety of our schools. This is more than a procedural milestone; it reflects our unwavering dedication to making Harris County a national leader in school safety," said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen.
The Commission will focus on evidence-based best practices and provide recommendations to the Court on initiatives that will help families, communities, and schools build capacity and establish and expand successful school safety strategies.
“I am grateful to Commissioner Briones for reviving this vital commission and for the continued collaboration with our partners. Together, we will advance safety measures, address human trafficking, and uphold our duty to protect every student. Thank you for your support in this crucial endeavor," Flynn Vilaseca said.
“We must take action to make our schools as safe as possible. I look forward to the additional student representation on the Safe School Commission so that the body can be more inclusive and informed. Together, we must take proactive, preventative steps to make our schools safer and to reduce gun violence,” Commissioner Briones said.
Members of the SSC are appointed by Commissioners Court. To apply, please visit the Harris County Office of County Administration’s Boards and Commissions website. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Source: HCP4
