Every Celina ISD campus will operate under updated safety and security policies when classes resume Wednesday, August 12, after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved a package of school safety measures at its Monday, July 27, meeting.
The board's actions included Local Policy Update 127, a set of state-mandated changes to the district's safety and security policies; a Good Cause Exception for the Armed Security Officer Resolution under House Bill 3; and the 2026-27 Student Code of Conduct. All items passed unanimously among the seven-member board: President Kelly Juergens, Vice President Jarratt Calvert, Secretary Tracey Balsamo, Cameron Riggs, Dr. Michael Wagoner, Katie Dunn, and Jennifer Driver.
As we reported July 28, the same meeting also approved a new bond series for school construction.
What the safety policies change
Director of Safe and Secure Schools Dave Wilson described the changes in Local Policy Update 127 as updates required by state law to safety and security local policies, according to the district's official meeting recap. The specific policy language was not released publicly, though the board agenda listed three attachments including a redlined version. Dr. Jason Johnston co-presented the item.
Armed security exception
The board also approved a Good Cause Exception under HB 3, the 2023 state law that requires an armed security officer on every Texas K-12 campus during regular school hours. Districts that cannot meet the requirement may file the exception based on a lack of funding or personnel.
This does not mean campuses will go unprotected. It means the district has formally notified the state it cannot fully comply with HB 3's staffing mandate. The specific reason Celina ISD cited was not detailed in public meeting documents.
The district is far from alone. More than half of Texas school districts have filed similar exceptions, with Campus Safety Magazine reporting the figure at approximately 52%. HB 3 allocates $15,000 per campus for security personnel.
Fentanyl awareness coming to grades 6-12
Separately, Director of Student Services Starla Martin updated the board on the Student Health Advisory Committee's work reviewing HB 3908, known as "Tucker's Law." That state mandate requires fentanyl and drug-abuse prevention education for students in grades 6-12, covering how to recognize fentanyl risks, understand counterfeit pills, and respond during an overdose emergency.
The SHAC update was an information item, not a vote. The committee, which meets four times a year, also reviewed wellness requirements for food services and instructional resources in coordination with the district's counseling department.
What's next
The next Celina ISD Board of Trustees meeting is Monday, August 17, at 6 p.m. at Moore Middle School. No community members spoke during the public comment period at the July 27 meeting.
