Amarillo ISD Renews Campus Security Exception

Amarillo ISD trustees renewed an exception to the state’s campus security requirement as the district faces officer staffing and funding shortages.

Texas generally requires an armed security officer at every school. The law also allows a good cause exception when a district cannot meet that requirement because of funding or personnel limits, with an approved alternative plan.

Amarillo’s approach uses trained school guardians and commissioned officers where available. Superintendent Deidre Parish said officers and a rotation schedule are used to provide an armed person on every campus.

Board President Jon Mark Beilue estimated covering a campus could cost around $100,000. He said trustees must balance security needs with the obligation to adopt a balanced budget.

Parish said additional state funding would help. The renewal continues an alternative security plan allowed under state law.

The district says protecting students and staff remains its priority as it addresses those limits.

Safety coverage supported by Ace Bail Bonds. Like, comment and share The806er. Support local reporting.