Never prop or hold a door

The number one thing you can do to keep our campuses safe is to never prop or hold a door open for anyone.  WISD has conducted an audit of all exterior campus doors in the district to ensure they function properly.  In addition, WISD is redoubling efforts to ensure classroom and other interior doors are locked at all times.

SROs

WISD has six School Resource Officers throughout the district, as well as a WISD security officer at each campus.  There is at least one armed school marshal on each campus.  WISD works closely with local law enforcement to address safety and security issues that may occur within the district, and local officers are encouraged to visit campuses as they are able.

ID Badges

It is vital that we know who is on our campuses.  Therefore, we will ensure that all adults (staff and visitors) and secondary students wear ID badges or stickers at all times while on campus.  Students who are habitually out of compliance will receive consequences according to the WISD Student Code of Conduct.

Tip 411

If you see something that may pose a safety concern, please report it immediately via the district's anonymous reporting system, Tip 411.  Tip 411 is available as an app download or via the district's website.  We immediately review and respond to any tips that are submitted via Tip 411.

Training

WISD security personnel and staff members go through training each year on campus lockdown procedures and other ways to keep students safe.

Campus Check-In

WISD has implemented new campus check-in procedures for large events.  Visitors will be provided an online form to fill out in advance of the event, and a visitor badge will be pre-printed and available for pickup on the day of the event.  Please be prepared to show your ID every time you visit a WISD campus, even if you are pre-registered for an event.

Remember: If you see something, say something!

Waxahachie ISD strives to provide families with as much information as possible regarding the measures we take every day to keep our students and staff safe on our campuses. In cases where a threat to one of our campuses is received, this is the process we walk through with the Waxahachie Police Department to investigate and apprehend suspects. WISD takes any threat, real or false, to our campuses extremely seriously, and will press charges and seek consequences to the fullest extent of the law for anyone who makes a threat to our district.  

• Threat Received
  • This could be through our anonymous reporting system, a report made by a student or parent to a district staff member or the WPD, or via another method.
• Investigation Begins
  • District and campus administration, the Waxahachie Police Department, WISD security, WISD technology, and others immediately begin investigating.
• Determine the Credibility of the Threat
  • Using data gathered during the investigation, WISD and WPD determine if a threat exists or if the threat has been sent as a hoax.  This is done by following a process from the Department of Homeland Security.
• Increase Security
  • If a threat is determined to be credible, or if the threat's credibility cannot be determined before the school day begins, additional security measures are put in place.  This could include increased police presence, use of metal detectors or canine detection, etc.
• Apprehend Suspect
  • Working in conjunction with the WPD, a suspect(s) is detained.  Waxahachie ISD presses charges on anyone, student or not, who makes a threat against a WISD campus.  We work with the WPD to seek consequences to the fullest extent of the law.
• Communication
  • Waxahachie ISD strives to clearly communicate with families and staff members as situations unfold and are resolved.  We provide updates as we have additional information that can be shared. However, it is important for families to remember that the district is unable to provide details in many cases due to federal privacy laws, as well as the possibility that sharing information could interfere with the criminal justice process.

This represents WISD's typical threat response process; however, some situations may require an alternate response.  WISD works with the WPD to determine the appropriate response to every situation.