The Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees voted Thursday night to use $4.5 million to upgrade security across the district.
DISD Police Chief Craig Miller said the shootings in Newtown, Conn., triggered the district to take a closer look at campus security.
Since then, a task force has been looking for better ways to keep students safe.
"Our kids are safe," Miller said. "That's what this is all about. We want people to think we recognize there's problems, we realize those problems and we're going to make improvements on those problems."
The board unanimously voted to use $4.5 million from a 2008 bond to make the changes.
Security upgrades will include:
- Additional security cameras at secondary campuses
- Electronic door-strike buzzers, eight-camera digital recorder systems, card-reader systems at all elementary campuses
- One-way observation portals in every portable in the school district
"The additional security measures will be a great benefit to every student and every employee working at our schools," said Lew Blackburn, board president. "When students walk into our schools, we want them to feel safe, and we want parents and community members to know that we are doing everything possible to make our campuses secure. This is the right thing to do."
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"The board should be commended for their actions tonight," Superintendent Mike Miles said. "Student and staff safety is always our top priority, and this decision supports our efforts to establish and maintain a positive learning environment."
Some of the improvements will be implemented immediately, and all will be in place by the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year.
