Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announces donation of metal detectors to Santa Fe ISD
SANTA FE, TX - MAY 18: Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick speaks during a press conference about the shooting incident at Santa Fe High School May 18, 2018 in Santa Fe, Texas. At least 10 people were killed when a gunman opened fire at Santa Fe High scho
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced today he will donate up to 10 metal detectors to the Santa Fe Independent School District so the school district can update the security of its entry ways before school starts in August, pending approval by the local school board.
The lieutenant governor joined Garrett Metal Detectors, a Texas company, that is also donating metal detectors to Santa Fe ISD and has agreed to perform a security analysis and train Santa Fe ISD staff at no cost.
Santa Fe ISD was the site of a deadly school shooting on May 18. Last week a large group of Santa Fe parents asked the Santa Fe ISD School Board to install metal detectors at all schools before classes begin again this year. In making the announcement, Lt. Gov. Patrick said:
Patrick continued, “Today I am also pledging that the Texas Senate will create a new matching fund program in the next legislative session for other schools that want to install metal detectors or use wands for inspection. Schools that install detectors or buy wands before next session can be reimbursed retroactively through the matching program. We know we need a comprehensive plan to secure our schools statewide and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy. Each district will decide the path best for them.”
Recently, the lieutenant governor met privately with President Donald Trump, Governor Greg Abbott and the Santa Fe victims' families. During that meeting, Patrick pledged funding for schools to install exit emergency push bar doors that prevent outside intrusion but can be opened from the inside so that no child is trapped in case of fire or an active shooter.
The lieutenant governor said he is also supporting funding for the Texas School Marshall Program for schools that choose to train and arm school personnel. Currently over 170 school districts allow personnel to be armed through their own training programs and an estimated 140 or more individuals are being trained this summer.