AZLE — Azle Independent School District has achieved full compliance in all categories of its recent Texas Education Agency safety and security audit.
AISD Police Chief Darren Brockway presented results from a January district vulnerability audit during a Feb. 24 board of trustees meeting. The assessment covered emergency operations, security protocols and campus safety standards, ensuring that the district meets state requirements and remains eligible for grant funding.
The results confirmed that Azle ISD not only met state standards but also exceeded expectations in several areas. Azle schools were awarded the “best practices” designation for numerous instances where security went above and beyond. Among the best practices recognized were the district’s implementation of silent alarm activation procedures, comprehensive officer training, extensive camera and monitoring systems and many other feats and features. Another noted best practice was the frosted glass dry erase boards found at three elementary campuses that double as a means to conceal and shield students during acof tive shooter scenarios. The TEA also praised Azle ISD for having a certified police officer assigned to every campus before it became a state mandate.
Police Chief Darren Brockway reports findings from a recent TEA security audit at the Azle ISD Administration building March 4. ZACH FREEMAN | TRI-COUNTY REPORTER
“I told them that our board authorized police officers at every campus one year before even they even knew it was going to be a mandate and they were blown away by that,” Brockway said.
The chief added that in a random survey of 170 staff members about lockdown procedures, all questioned individuals had a clear idea of what steps to take.
“That’s a testament to the principals and staff and the drills that we do,” Brockway said. “I can tell you; (TEA representatives) were very complimentary of our staff.”
While the district was found to be in full compliance, two nonpunitive findings required adjustments: adding additional locks to roof hatches and installing peepholes in certain exterior metal doors leading to kitchens and custodial hallways. The necessary locks have since been added and Superintendent Todd Smith noted that a closed-circuit camera may be added in lieu of a peephole to a science lab intended to also act as a storm shelter. Smith said adding peepholes to the doors in question would likely void the district’s warranties on the doors.
