Clifton ISD is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment and infrastructure for all students and staff members. This commitment is reflected in the many best-practice safety and security measures currently in place across the district, including, but not limited to, a School Guardian Program, a School Resource Officer (SRO) and a close working relationship with Chief Blanton and the Clifton Police Department.
Since July 2023, when the Clifton ISD Board of Trustees approved a resolution under Texas Penal Code Section 46.03 to authorize multiple staff members across all district campuses to carry a concealed firearm on district property, Clifton ISD has been part of the School Guardian Program. Signage is posted around each campus and at the main entrances of school buildings indicating that certain staff are armed and may use whatever force is necessary to protect students and staff members. Also in July 2023, the Board entered into an agreement with the Clifton Police Department for the services of an SRO that is assigned to Clifton ISD every day of the school year. Officer Carmen Moreno was hired to the district's first SRO.
Clifton’s School Guardians are required to participate in safety training in the summer and during the school year. Recently, the Guardians and Officer Moreno, in coordination with the Clifton Police Department and alongside other first responders, completed the ALERRT Level I Active Shooter Response Training held on the high school campus. The Level I training course, which was created by Texas State University and is promoted by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, encompasses realistic force-on-force scenarios and is designed to prepare the Guardians, Officer Moreno and other first responders on how to isolate and neutralize an active shooter, as well as how to render first aid, such as applying tourniquets.
Some important information about Clifton’s Guardian Program is below:
Guardian Program participation is strictly voluntary - no employee is required to participate and, at any time, the district may revoke an employee’s authorization to carry a firearm or an employee may decide to longer be a School Guardian.
Employees who are currently licensed to carry a weapon in the State of Texas are eligible to be considered for the Program.
Before being authorized as a School Guardian, candidates are required to complete a criminal background screening, as well as a physical exam and psychological evaluations utilizing the same process and standards that law enforcement adheres to. Candidates also must complete a rigorous training program and are required to complete ongoing training, including monthly firearm and task-oriented drills if they are authorized to be a School Guardian.
A School Guardian may take such action that is necessary, in his or her judgment and discretion, to prevent or abate the commission of an offense that threatens serious bodily injury and/or death to a student, district personnel or a visitor.
The identity of School Guardians will remain confidential.
It is important to note, once again, that in the interest of district security and maintaining the integrity of the program, the district will not be releasing the identity or numbers of district employees selected as School Guardians.
Questions, comments or concerns? Please contact Clifton ISD Superintendent Andy Ball on his cell phone, 254-707-1503, office phone, 254-675-1825 or by email, andy.ball@cliftonisd.org. AB