Rio Grande Valley, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A day after the deadly shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde in which 19 students and two staff members were killed, several school districts announced that they will have additional security.
Donna ISD announced in a media release that backpacks will not be allowed at any of the campuses. Accessibility to campuses will be limited to guardians who can display proper identification.
They added that “additional safety support” will be placed at each of the campuses.
“As the end of the school year draws near, we want you to know that protecting our students, staff and faculty are our top priority and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that our campuses continue to remain safe,” Donna ISD stated in the release.
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) ISD announced that campuses will be placed on high alert for the remainder of the school year.
All gates and doors will be secured or have limited access, and district officers and law enforcement will be “highly visible” to enhance safety efforts. The district stated that they will also continue using cybersecurity intel to monitor social media activity related to school safety.
Port Isabel ISD announced that additional safety measures will be taken as a response to the Uvalde shooting, with Port Isabel PD providing extra patrols around campuses this week.
Harlingen CISD announced that additional safety measures will be taken, with Harlingen PD providing increasing patrols around all Harlingen CISD campuses for the remainder of the school year.
Several RGV police departments also announced that they will be dispatched to campuses to provide security.
Mission PD stated in a post that more than 30 officers will be dispatched on Wednesday to monitor campuses.
Harlingen PD stated that extra officers will be patrolling streets for the final week of school for the safety of students.
Donna ISD also asked that parents and guardians speak with their children about the things they’re hearing at school, discussing the seriousness of teasing, cyberbullying and spreading rumors. They are encouraged to report suspicious activity to an adult at school, or by using the Anonymous Alert system.
