Southside ISD security among “best districts audited”
Apr 14, 2023 | Last Updated April 15, 2023
An unannounced audit by the Texas School Safety Center on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Pearce Elementary School gave it a “no findings” rating which equates to a perfect score. It is the latest in a series of random mandated audits with near perfect grades at Southside ISD. Recently, auditors with the TSSC presented Southside leaders with encouraging news. District Superintendent Mr. Rolando Ramirez said, “They stated this is one of the best, if not the best district they have audited.” In the last year, the district has invested significantly in safety and security including:
fencing around all instructional facilities
mandatory vehicle stops at all campuses
Aiphone video intercoms at doors to enter buildings
600 security cameras to monitor the district
Security officers monitoring visitors at all eight campuses
Police assigned to each school
Police and security officers on patrol throughout the district
Mandatory registration when entering schools
controlled access doors
metal detectors
routine campus door checks (interior and exterior)
These are just some of the security measure Southside ISD is taking to keeping our students and staff safe. Additional safety measures are also being considered for implementation.
A visitor signs in to Southside High School while receptionist Mrs. Diane Garza runs a background check. Visitors to all district campuses must register upon entering a school.
A security camera in the Southside High School lobby monitors visitors entering the campus. The district has installed more than 600 cameras.
Security officer Simon Cardenas checks the ID card of Southside High School teacher Danny Castro. All visitors to campuses must present an I.D. to enter during school hours.
Southside High School academic dean Dr. Devonna Friesenhahn routinely checks doors to make sure they are closed and locked.
Southside ISD security officers Simon Cardenas, background, and Rafael Ramirez, pictured right, keep a watchful eye on visitors entering the district’s main campus.
An Aiphone video intercom and security card badge reader are now standard security measures needed to enter any Southside ISD campus.
Southside ISD security officer Rafael Ramirez writes down a campus visitor’s license information. Visitors are required to present identification to enter instructional facilities.
Fences are now a part of the standard security measures at Southside ISD. Workers recently installed this fence at Southside High School.
