Lockhart ISD and Caldwell County enter partnership for school safety

LISD and Caldwell County

Lockhart Independent School District and Caldwell County announced a partnership that provides constables to bolster security at schools through an interlocal cooperation agreement. 

Deputies from the Caldwell County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office will provide law enforcement presence with armed commissioned peace officers at LISD elementary campuses and PRIDE High School and Lockhart Discipline Management Center. Lockhart Junior High School and Lockhart High School already have School Resource Officers made available through the Lockhart Police Department who serve those campuses.

Caldwell County Commissioners approved the agreement at a called meeting on Nov. 17. The Lockhart ISD Board provided its approval at a special meeting on Nov. 21. The agreement is effective immediately and will continue through July 31, 2023. The agreement will thereafter be automatically renewed for an annual term unless terminated earlier in writing by either party. 

“Recent unfortunate events that have taken place in Texas and around the United States have highlighted the need for increased security measures on school campuses,” Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden said. “Having our deputy constables present at Lockhart ISD campuses puts in place security and safety for teachers and students that we’re pleased to provide.”

“I am incredibly grateful for the County’s support in providing additional security to our Lions by deploying its constables to our schools,” LISD Superintendent Mark Estrada said. “We are fortunate as a district to have both the County and the City’s support so students and staff can focus on instruction and learning.” 

This latest decision is just one of many efforts by the school district to strengthen school safety. Earlier this school year, LISD hosted Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training for all staff prior to the start of school; launched the Lion Guard, a group of community members who volunteer to support school safety; and expanded its school resource officer support with a new SRO supervisor. Looking ahead, the district is reviewing options to upgrade its audio, video, and intercom security systems on every campus. 

“The work of school safety takes every one of us, and it is work that requires an ongoing commitment,” Estrada added. “I am proud of the work our team and our community partners are doing together to keep our students and staff safe.”