The Center for Safe and Secure Schools welcomed area leaders and representatives to the Harris County Safe Schools Commission general meeting, where attendees heard updates on the commission’s 2022-2023 report implementation, worked toward finalizing a strategic plan and heard from Texas Appleseed, which promotes social, economic and racial equity.

Held on Jan. 13 at Harris County Department of Education’s North Post Oak location, commission officers Sammi Baig, Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca and Calandrian Simpson Kemp joined CSSS Director Leslie Etheridge, Harris County Fire Marshals Office Inspector Michael Howell, Nick Radack with Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s office and Texas Appleseed Education Justice Project Director Andrew Hairston for the bimonthly meeting.

Created in 2022, the commission compiles recommendations on how Harris County organizations can best support the safety of all 25 independent school districts, charter schools and private schools with strategies during the school year. Past proposals include replacing and renewing outdated or malfunctioning infrastructure, improving emergency response systems and unifying school safety protocols for parents and faculty.

The commission allows leaders to be proactive, rather than reactive, to safety concerns. Each of the county’s four precincts also appoints students to the board to better gain insight into their experiences and abilities when making safety and security procedures.