Questions are being raised regarding on-campus security following a shooting at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Bulverde, Texas, on Monday morning.

School Lockdown and Initial Response

Hill Country College Preparatory High School was placed on lockdown after reports of a shooting near the campus, triggering a significant law enforcement response and subsequent student reunification efforts. The incident occurred at 8:34 a.m.

Timing of Security Personnel

Investigations have revealed that no school resource officer was on duty at the time of the shooting. Comal ISD officials confirmed that a Bulverde Police Department officer is assigned to the school, but their shift doesn’t begin until 8:55 a.m., 21 minutes after the shooting took place.

Texas Education Code Requirements

According to the Texas Education Code, school boards have the authority to determine the number of armed officers on each campus and ensure at least one is present during school hours. “Every school in Texas must comply; it’s a mandate,” stated School Safety Expert Mike Garcia of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools.

Planning for Pre-School Hours

Garcia emphasized the importance of school districts planning for security coverage before officers officially begin their shifts. “If you know for a fact that officer is not going to be on the clock until the school bell rings then there should be something that says, hey, 15 minutes prior, you should be on campus,” he said.

Increased Security Spending

Comal ISD has significantly increased its security budget, investing just over $5.8 million since 2022 – a rise of more than 91%. Garcia noted that this initiative typically costs between $60,000 to $100,000 per year, per campus, but the safety of students is invaluable. “But the value of the assets that you’re protecting are priceless.”

Further Details of the Incident

The shooting involved a teacher who is currently in stable condition. Authorities have also confirmed that the firearm used in the incident belonged to the suspect’s grandfather.

This incident highlights the need to examine safety measures in place before the official start of the school day.

Comal ISD was asked to provide information regarding the number of full-time officers employed and the number of officers contracted from local municipalities.