MISSION, TEXAS (JUNE 4, 2025) – Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) is wrapping up the 2024–2025 school year with a renewed and proactive commitment to the safety and well-being of all students and staff.
On June 3, 2025, district leadership held a District Safety and Security Committee meeting to review and strengthen key safety initiatives for the upcoming school year. Local first responder partners were in attendance, showing their continued support for the district’s efforts to create a secure and welcoming learning environment.
One of the major projects highlighted was the implementation of the Safety and Facility Enhancement (SAFE) Grant. This funding has enabled significant upgrades across all 22 district campuses to meet and exceed state safety standards. Enhancements include:
- Installation of perimeter security fencing with emergency egress gates and anti-scaling features
- Enclosure of open-air gymnasiums with secure, high gates
- Replacement or reinforcement of glass exterior doors with forced-entry resistant film and materials
- Fortification of ground-level exterior windows
- Deployment of silent panic alert technology across campuses
“Our approach to safety is centered on students - protecting their learning environment while giving our staff the tools to respond confidently,” said Martin Castañeda, Safety & Security/ Emergency Management Director. “Every improvement we make is a step toward a more responsive and resilient school community.”
SAFETY PREPAREDNESS THROUGH SPECIALIZED TRAINING
To further support this culture of safety, Executive Directors Fidel Garza, Dora Villalobos, and Sharon A. Roberts participated in a specialized Staying Safe Training provided by the Texas School Safety Center. The training was developed in partnership with Safe and Sound Schools and the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program.
“This training is designed to teach students and staff age-appropriate responses and strategies during active threat situations,” explained Roberts. “It was incredibly engaging, one of the most impactful professional development experiences I’ve had. It empowers us to make informed decisions that could save lives.”
Key takeaways from the training included:
- Teaching students and staff to respond through practiced and familiar actions to increase safety
- Adjusting communication and response language to align with ALERRT protocols
- Developing practical implementation plans and campus-level safety considerations
TEA ASSESSMENT AIMS TO SUPPORT SAFER SCHOOLS
Looking ahead, the district is preparing for the Texas Education Agency District Vulnerability Assessment (DVA), scheduled for the upcoming school year. This initiative will involve a specialized assessment team conducting one-on-one conversations with teachers and staff members across 19 of our 22 campuses.
“These visits are similar in nature to the Intruder Detection Audits conducted statewide,” said Castañeda. “However, they provide a more personalized opportunity to hear directly from teachers and staff, addressing specific campus needs.”
In addition to physical and procedural upgrades, Mission CISD will also install a new call box system at each campus location. These will feature both audio and visual components, allowing office personnel to verify visitors before they enter the campus vestibule - adding an additional layer of security and control.
Local First Responder agencies in attendance at the committee meeting commended the district’s proactive stance. They praised Mission CISD for its leadership and example-setting approach to school safety, reinforcing the strong partnership between the district and public safety officials.
Mission CISD’s focus on safety underscores its long-standing mission to provide a secure, nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally. As the district looks to the future, safety will continue to be a cornerstone of its commitment to excellence in education.
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