Fort Bend ISD elementary schools will have armed security officers on all campuses. Do parents think it’s safe?

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Fort Bend Independent School District announced Tuesday that all 51 elementary schools will have armed security officers on campus when students return from winter break, but what do parents think about the new measure?

• READ MORE: Fort Bend elementary schools to have armed security officers on all campuses

Security personnel arrived at their assigned campuses Tuesday to meet the school staff and will start to serve in their role when students return on Thursday.

During the December board meeting, board trustees approved $2.5 million to fund the district-wide security guard services. This allowed FBISD to fulfill a state legislative mandate requiring armed personnel at all schools.

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“These highly trained and dedicated professionals will not only provide security for our schools but also serve as role models and mentors, building positive relationships with our students and staff,” a statement from the district said.

Since the voter-approved tax rate election (VATRE) was approved, the tax rate will be $0.9892 for every $100 of property valuation. Residents’ tax bills would be $989 per year or $82 per month per $100,000 of valuation. Without the VATRE, the tax rate would have been about $949 per year or $79 per month per 100,000 of valuation. A tax bill would increase by $3 per month for every $100,000 of valuation.