Julia Andrews is the new director of the Center for Safe and Secure Schools, a division of Harris County Department of Education.

Andrews has served since early 2018 as the school culture and climate specialist for the center. She has been responsible for conducting numerous school safety audits; leading and facilitating restorative practices training; and developing threat assessments for schools and districts.

Prior to coming to HCDE, she was a teacher and assistant principal in Cypress Fairbanks and Houston ISDs. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa, master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University and is actively pursuing her doctorate in organizational leadership at Abilene Christian University.

The center partners with federal, state and local entities and is a nationally recognized leader in the development of increased safety and security strategies, standards and best practices in school security.

Andrews said her goals for the center include meeting the needs of area school districts and charter schools by providing exclusive, relevant trainings to support legislative-related mandates in youth mental health, school safety and social emotional learning.