Groveton schools looks to ramp up security

By Tony Farkas
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GROVETON — The Groveton ISD Board of Trustees are looking to place an armed security officer at its campus in an effort to beef up security.

Superintendent Jim Dillard said that at the April 22 board meeting, members approved seeking an officer, but the item still is in the planning stages.

Dillard said the board plans to come up with a description of duties and look around to find what’s best for the district.

“We’ve had discussions with staff members and the board, and while our exemption allows us to have guardians at school (teachers who are authorized to carry firearms) … we thought it would be better to have a professional presence,” he said.

Dillard said the district will either hire an individual resource officer or contract with a law enforcement agency.

“They will be a presence, be armed, and protect students,” he said. “I don’t know what’s best, but this will give me permission to begin the process.”

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In other business, the board:

•approved TEKS instructional materials for the upcoming school year;

•re-approved Powell Law Group as district legal representative;

•approved the use of Axley & Rode for the annual audit;

•discussed softball field irrigation and ways to improve it to be on par with the baseball field, and well as building a new restroom/concession/locker room facility. Dillard said it makes sense to do the work this summer to get fields ready for next season; and

•discussed upcoming events. Graduation will be at 8 a.m. May 24 football field, weather permitting; May 21 will be the honors banquet at Mimsy’s in Crockett; May 7 will be the FFA banquet at 6 p.m. in the auditorium; and the spring band concert will be at 6:30 p.m. May 16 in the gymnasium.