CARROLLTON, Texas — Carroll ISD is the latest school district in North Texas to consider implementing a school marshal program on campuses.
During a school board of trustees meeting on Monday, Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Glenn and members of the school board held their first public discussion about the proposed program.
While details were vague and the proposed program is in its preliminary stages, several members of the board said the program would not include arming teachers.
During the meeting, Glenn said the marshal program would exist to fill gaps in security coverage when a school resource officer (SRO) isn’t available on campus. The district’s existing SRO program is a collaboration between the district and the city of Southlake. According to data from district leadership, SROs were absent on a school campus 10 days this school year, which is a shortfall of about 2%, the district said.
Glenn said the proposed marshal program would ensure the district is in compliance with HB3, a state law that requires an armed guard at each school campus across the state of Texas. HB3 does state that a district may claim a “good cause exemption” if it is unable to acquire armed security based on financial challenges.
“The responsibility for safety of students does rest on this board,” Glenn said during the meeting. “All options are on the table to protect our kids.”
During the meeting, board president Cameron Bryan said “We are not proposing arming current staff. We’re looking to hire former law enforcement in an event an SRO isn’t available.”
Agenda documents posted on the district’s website, however, outlined a plan to hire 10 Carroll ISD employees to serve as marshals. During the meeting, however, trustees said the district would consider “just a couple” of marshals.
During the meeting, several parents spoke out in opposition to the proposed program.
“Why is it that whenever there’s gun violence, our solution is more guns in schools?” one speaker said. “My thoughts and prayers are that we don’t go down an avenue of more guns.”
All marshals are certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), the same entity that trains and certifies police officers in Texas. Marshals must complete an 80-hour program conducted at a law enforcement academy. They’re also required to undergo a psychological evaluation, training in active shooter response, and weapon proficiency.
Glenn and Bryan said the marshal program would not replace the district’s current SRO program, and they’re in talks with city leadership to expand the SRO program and ensure additional security coverage in schools.
“The liability is on us, we have to meet the law,” trustee Andrew Yeager said. “We don’t wanna use it (marshal program), but we have to have a backup.”
Trustee Dudley Jordan echoed Yeager’s thoughts.
“I would love to put this program in place and never use it,” Jordan said. “We don’t have a choice when it comes to this.”
The board didn’t decide on the marshal program Monday night, and members said plans are in the preliminary stages.
It’s unclear when the board will revisit the issue.