HISD Expands Armed Officer Coverage, Eyes 100 Campuses Next Year

Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles says the district is making steady progress toward meeting state school safety requirements outlined in House Bill 3. The law, passed after the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, mandates that every public school campus in Texas have at least one armed security officer and implement physical security measures like secure entry vestibules or camera systems. Miles confirmed that approximately 80 HISD campuses had armed officers during the 2024–25 school year, and the goal is to reach around 100 campuses next year, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.

Miles also noted that HISD is nearly finished installing new weapons detection systems at every high school. The upgrades follow a wave of school safety threats across the Houston area in fall 2024. While overall student disciplinary issues dropped by 20% over the past school year, incidents involving firearm possession rose by 133%. Miles said the district believes the broader school climate has improved, even as gun-related incidents remain a concern.

To support ongoing efforts, HISD has invested in more police personnel, patrol vehicles, and officer training. During a May 13 safety meeting, district officials highlighted additional security upgrades in progress, including fencing improvements, surveillance cameras, and reinforced door components. Funding remains a key challenge. The law provides districts with $15,000 per campus and $10 per student, which many administrators say falls short of what’s needed. A proposed $4.4 billion HISD bond, which included hundreds of millions for safety infrastructure and police resources, failed to pass. While HISD’s current administration will not pursue another bond, Miles said community members may develop a new proposal. Meanwhile, lawmakers are reviewing new funding bills that could provide additional support for security improvements statewide.