Student safety continues to be a top priority for Snyder Independent School District. During the March 2026 Board of Trustees meeting, district leadership shared several updates and upcoming initiatives focused on strengthening campus safety across Snyder ISD.
District leaders emphasized that no single action can address every safety concern. Instead, the district is taking a layered approach, implementing multiple strategies designed to work together to support a secure learning environment for students and staff.
School Safety Standards Grant Improvements
The district recently completed several projects funded through the School Safety Standards Grant. These improvements include:
• Bullet-resistant window film
• Improved radio communications
• Implementation of the E3 emergency response app
• Exterior door numbering and updated campus mapping for first responders
• Exterior door viewers for solid doors
Next Phase of Safety Grant Funding
With those projects complete, Snyder ISD is now entering the next phase of School Safety Standards Grant funding. This phase will focus on strengthening internal radio communication systems between campuses and first responders. The district is also exploring whether a portion of the grant funding could support future perimeter fencing improvements.
Student Backpack and Athletic Bag Guidelines
Beginning next school year, Snyder ISD will implement a clear or mesh backpack requirement for students. Students who need to carry personal hygiene items may bring a small bag, similar in size to a pencil pouch, inside their backpack.
The district will provide a clear backpack to students who may need one prior to the start of the school year to help ensure the transition is accessible for all families. More informaiton will be provided in the coming months.
Athletic bags will not be allowed in academic areas during the school day. Students who need athletic equipment will continue to drop off their athletic bags at designated athletic facilities before school begins. As is current practice, these bags will be subject to search.
Clear Bag Policy for Athletic Events
To support safe and efficient entry at school venues, Snyder ISD will also adopt a clear/see-through mesh bag policy for athletic events.
Additional Safety Screening Measures
The district is exploring additional safety screening measures, including wanding, metal detectors, and AI-assisted weapon detection systems as part of its ongoing review of campus safety practices.
School Resource Officer Expansion
Snyder ISD is working with the Snyder Police Department to add a fourth School Resource Officer (SRO), increasing law enforcement presence and support across district campuses. The district currently has three SROs, and the addition of a fourth officer would provide dedicated law enforcement coverage across all campuses.
Guardian Program
Last school year, Snyder ISD implemented the Guardian Program as an additional layer of campus safety. The program allows selected district employees who volunteer for the role to complete extensive training and certification to assist in emergency response situations. Guardians continue serving in their regular roles on campus while working in coordination with district leadership and local law enforcement as part of the district’s broader safety plan.
Random Drug Sweeps
To support a healthy and safe environment for students, the district will begin conducting random drug sweeps using trained detection dogs on campuses.
Opioid Prevention Partnership
Snyder ISD is partnering with Cogdell Memorial Hospital to implement an opioid prevention program. This initiative will include additional education for students and outreach for families to help the community better understand the risks associated with opioid misuse and ways to support prevention efforts.
As part of this partnership, Snyder ISD will host opioid prevention presentations for the community in both English and Spanish. These sessions will be provided free of charge in April and May; additional details about times and locations to be shared soon.
We are grateful to our students, families, staff, and community partners for the role each of you plays in helping keep our schools safe. While some of these safety measures may occasionally feel inconvenient, they are small when compared to the importance of protecting a child’s well-being. Snyder ISD will continue to evaluate and strengthen our safety practices so that our schools remain secure, supportive places for students and staff to learn and work each day.