Houston-area schools revamp campus security

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Almost two years have passed since the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. Since then, schools across the country have revamped their security policies, including schools in the Houston area.

Parents are glad to hear this.

"It's very important," Vincent Ostera said, "The last thing you want is for some crazy person running in the school causing havoc."

Houston Architect Ian Powell has the task of protecting children and teachers without making the school feel like a prison.

"Most of that security provisioning is meant to be pretty transparent," Powell said, "Not sort of catch you in the eye as you walk in the door."

Adolphus Elementary was built last year. It is one of dozens of Houston-area schools built with the latest cameras and door locks.

Visitors to the school walk into what's called a vestibule before they're allowed access to classrooms. It's a small foyer space with windows facing the school office. Employees then have the option of buzzing visitors in or keeping them locked out.

Parents say these precautions give them peace of mind.

"I am very proud that we are taking those actions," Vanessa Hawkins says, "And it makes me feel great to be a working mom to know that my son is safe."

But even with all of the precautions possible, there is no such thing as a completely safe school.

"No, absolutely not. There is no building built that will stop anything," Powell says, "And unfortunately we've seen that, but there are intelligent responses that districts and other organizations face that are smart, measured and practical responses."

Ft. Bend ISD and HISD responded to our questions about how school security has changed in their districts since Sandy Hook:

FT. BEND RESPONSE

Student and staff safety is Fort Bend ISD's highest priority. Among actions taken following Sandy Hook:

All campuses in District have been directed to keep classrooms locked during instructional time

Staff participate in tabletop exercises to train for active shooter scenarios (Police also participate in ongoing training)

The position of Emergency Management Coordinator was created, a person responsible for all emergency plans and training.

In addition, this year the FBISD Board of Trustees approved a Safety and Security Master Plan that includes additional safety investments such as: Security vestibules at all campuses, cameras, shatter resistant window film and key card access.

HISD RESPONSE

HISD works with law enforcement agencies to make sure schools are safe (not a direct quote, but we can attribute this to an HISD spokeswoman)