GISD school board approves Guardian Program

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The Gonzales ISD school board made the necessary steps to protecting the students and staff in the district in the Monday, Sept. 12, meeting.

The board voted unanimously to approve the Guardian program that the district has been working for several months.

From their June 27 press release the Guardian Programs will have GISD working in collaboration with local law enforcement in the city and county to design a detailed plan to improve the safety and security of the school district.

During that time the district had gotten more input about the program from the community and the Gonzales Police Department, Gonzales County Sheriffs Office and Gonzales ISD Police Department.

GISD Police Chief Ross Gottwald, Gonzales Police Chief Tim Crow, and Gonzales County Sheriff Keith Schmidt were in attendance in Monday’s meeting regarding the Guardian Program, and all were recognized by the district for their collaboration.

“These gentlemen along with our teams have spent endless hours as part of the GISD Safety and Security Committee and assisting in the development and creation of a plan that will enhance the safety and security of our students and staff.” Robin Trojcak said.

GISD Superintendent Dr. Elmer Avellaneda read the timeline on how the district got involved looking into the Guardian Program. In July and early August, Avellaneda and the district have spoke and visited with other districts about similar programs.

“I want to make sure the community understands that we took our time to create this plan in the best interests of the staff, our students, and the community.” Avellaneda said.

School board member Sue Gottwald made a comment about the Guardian programs stating it’s important for the district to be proactive instead of sitting back in an event of an active shooter.

“I want the parents, teachers and the students to know that we take their safety very seriously. And I appreciate all of the parents and the input that went into this because having this program instituted in our school district, we're also telling people out there you're not welcome with a gun and there's gonna be somebody here to protect our students.” Gottwald said.

The board approved unanimously, 7-0, for the Guardian program.

In other business, the board approved the following agenda items:

--approved Josie Smith-Wright as delegate for the TASB delegate assembly

--approved revisions to the Memorandum of understanding with Victoria County Junior College District for the Dual Credit Program.

--approved the Budget Amendment and Purchase of HVAC Equipment

--approved Local Policy DCB

--approved Local Policy DCE

--approved the 2022-23 Apache Academy All STAARS Teacher Pay Rate.

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