Sixteen school districts across the Greater Houston area are welcoming students back to class Wednesday, with more districts set to begin the school year Thursday.
In Spring Branch ISD, district police are using the final hours before the first bell to make sure campuses are secure, and officers are prepared for the return of students.
The district has 44 schools, and each campus will have at least one police officer assigned to it. High schools will have two officers.
Spring Branch ISD Police Chief Larry Baimbridge says officers have completed active-shooter training and other district-wide training ahead of the new school year.
Police are also checking school doors to make sure they close and lock properly.
“We are obviously in the mode right now for school opening, making sure our schools are in order, making sure our doors are closing and locking properly,” Baimbridge said. “Our officers have all been trained, active shooter training... just making sure they’re ready to go for the start of school.”
Once students return, officers will begin their days outside, helping monitor parking lots during arrival and drop-off.
Throughout the school day, officers will move around their campuses, checking doors and hallways and making sure secure areas remain protected.
Baimbridge says officers will also spend time building relationships with students, staff and parents, particularly those who are new to a campus.
The department says the goal is to have officers prepared both for emergencies and for the day-to-day interactions that come with being part of the school community.