The Center for Safe and Secure Schools welcomed more than a dozen Harris County leaders and representatives to a Safe School Commission meeting on March 18. Created in 2022, the commission compiles recommendations on how Harris County entities can support all 25 independent school districts, charter and private schools’ safety with strategies for the upcoming school year.  

Superintendent James Colbert Jr. attended the event with Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen and safety commission representatives from each precinct. During his opening remarks, Colbert highlighted the growing need for safety and security within the halls and at student-centered activities such as dances and sporting events.  

“The landscape of public education is changing, and as educators, we must adjust to try and outsmart the problem,” Colbert said. “The biggest issue that every parent has isn’t academic performance. It’s wanting to send their kids to school and not worry about their safety. These meetings create strategies that make a difference in lives, and that’s what we strive to do every day at HCDE.”