Georgetown, TX, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Georgetown Independent School District (GISD) has launched a school marshal program at 13 campuses to boost security in compliance with House Bill 3. This initiative aims to address the current shortage of law enforcement officers by employing qualified personnel for safety protocols. Meanwhile, Hays CISD grapples with its own staffing issues and has been granted a ‘good cause’ exemption, recognizing its inability to provide armed officers at every campus. The overarching goal of the new program is to ensure student and staff safety while adapting to evolving security challenges.
Georgetown, TX – Georgetown Independent School District (GISD) has implemented a school marshal program at 13 campuses as part of its effort to enhance security following the requirements set forth by House Bill 3. This program is designed to provide schools with qualified personnel to meet the new safety protocols, especially amid a shortage of available law enforcement officers.
The implementation of the school marshal program is part of a broader initiative by GISD to upgrade safety and security measures across its facilities in recent years. With the collaboration of local law enforcement and neighboring school districts, Georgetown ISD aims to navigate the challenges posed by the need for an armed officer at each campus—an essential stipulation under House Bill 3.
Many districts are struggling with the enforcement of this law. Hays Consolidated Independent School District (Hays CISD) is one such district that recently declared it cannot fulfill the requirement due to a shortage of qualified officers. Hays CISD board members approved a “good cause” exemption, acknowledging the reality of their staffing challenges. Currently, the district operates 26 campuses but only has 15 school resource officers (SROs) available. Their SROs are assigned to every high school and middle school, while three roaming officers cover five elementary schools each.
The difficulties of staffing come amid rising concerns regarding safety regulations that require each campus to have dedicated armed security personnel. As a result, board members at Hays CISD have initiated discussions about potential alternatives, including the establishment of a school marshal program or the option of hiring private security personnel. This discourse is crucial for parents, many of whom have expressed the importance of having trained and qualified individuals ensuring school safety. Several have indicated a willingness to participate in training programs aimed at bolstering security on school grounds.
In light of these developments, Georgetown ISD has passed a resolution to create its school marshal program, positioning it as an interim solution while working towards hiring sufficient SROs for all campuses. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has yet to set a deadline for districts that pass a resolution to comply with armed guard requirements, providing GISD with some flexibility as it implements its plans.
The overarching goal of the school marshal program is to identify the best candidates to work collaboratively with SROs in order to ensure the safety of students and staff within the district. As Georgetown ISD moves forward with this initiative, it remains committed to adapting to the evolving landscape of school security and providing a safe learning environment for all.
FAQ
What is the new school marshal program implemented by Georgetown ISD?
Georgetown ISD has hired school marshals at 13 campuses to enhance security in compliance with House Bill 3.
What safety upgrades has Georgetown ISD made recently?
The district has made safety and security upgrades to its facilities in recent years.
Why did Hays CISD need a “good cause” exemption?
Hays CISD declared it cannot meet the requirement of having an armed officer at every campus due to shortages of qualified officers.
How many campuses and SROs does Hays CISD currently have?
Hays CISD has 26 campuses but only 15 school resource officers (SROs) on staff.
What is the objective of the school marshal program in Georgetown ISD?
The goal is to find the best candidates to work alongside SROs and ensure safety for students and staff.
Key Features of the Post
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Georgetown, TX |
| Program Implementation | School marshal program at 13 campuses |
| Compliance | Meets regulations of House Bill 3 |
| Current Challenges | Officer shortages affecting schools |
| Number of Campuses | Hays CISD has 26 campuses |
| Number of SROs | Hays CISD has 15 school resource officers |
| Future Goals | Hire sufficient SROs and enhance campus safety |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Community Impact: Georgetown ISD Officials Share Update on School Marshal Program
- KVUE: Hays CISD Seeks Exemption for Armed Officers
- Community Impact: Georgetown ISD Updates and Stories to Watch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Marshal Program
- Community Impact: Frisco ISD Approves School Marshal Training
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