MISSION, TEXAS (January 13, 2025) - Mission CISD is ushering in 2025 with a renewed and strengthened commitment to student and staff safety. At a recent safety and security committee meeting, district leadership, local safety organizations, and law enforcement partners came together to discuss and refine several key initiatives that will shape the district's safety measures for the year ahead.
The School Safety Standard Grant, totaling approximately $655,000 has funded the installation of 8-foot-high security fencing at Mission Junior High (MJH), Mission High School (MHS), and Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS), along with safety window film applied across all 22 district campuses. Additionally, the district has secured nearly $4.8 million through the SAFE Grant Cycle, with an additional $525,000 awarded in cycle two. These funds are being used to extend safety fencing to all remaining campuses within the district, reinforcing Mission CISD’s commitment to ensuring safe and secure learning environments for students and staff.
In addition to the physical infrastructure improvements, the district is also advancing its safety training efforts. Mission CISD will soon participate in the Stay Safe Training program provided by the Texas School Safety Center. This comprehensive training equips districts with the latest safety protocols, emergency response strategies, and best practices to ensure a safe learning environment.
The district is also nearing 50% completion on its Intruder Detection Audits, a vital component of the overall campus security evaluation process. These audits are designed to assess potential vulnerabilities and implement corrective measures to further enhance the district's ability to prevent and respond to security threats.
Mission CISD is also proud to join the Keep ‘Em Safe Texas Campaign, an initiative led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to promote safety awareness across the state. As part of this campaign, the district will continue to engage the community and school stakeholders in discussions about the importance of vigilance and preparedness in maintaining a safe and secure environment for students and staff alike.
During the recent safety committee meeting, representatives from local law enforcement agencies expressed their appreciation for the district’s proactive approach to school safety, noting that Mission CISD is setting a strong example for other districts to follow. Their support reinforces the ongoing partnership between the district and local law enforcement, ensuring a united effort toward safeguarding the school community.
“We are committed to keeping our schools safe, and with the continued support of our community, law enforcement, and safety partners, we will remain vigilant in providing a secure and welcoming environment for our students,” said Dr. Cris Valdez, Superintendent of Mission CISD. “Together, we can ensure that our schools remain places where students thrive, learn, and grow without fear or disruption.”
Mission CISD’s focus on safety in 2025 reflects the district’s long-term commitment to fostering a positive educational experience for all students while prioritizing their well-being and security.
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