HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan joined HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova and other district leaders on Thursday at Bellaire High School for a discussion with a group of students to discuss safety and security concerns. 

Lathan said the district will explore additional safety and security steps to help students feel safer and more secure. 

After the meeting, which was attended by about 20 students, Lathan met with local media and announced that the district will immediately begin exploring additional security steps, including the installation of metal detectors on some campuses across the district.  

According to Lathan, she also has instructed that all campuses immediately reconvene their safety and security council committees to review safety protocols and procedures. 

“We will continue to listen to you and engage in empathy and discussions with families,” she said. “The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority in HISD.” 

Lathan also announced that she will be meeting with student representatives from the district’s 45 high schools to hear their concerns and ideas for school safety and security. A Key Community Leaders discussion, which includes business, government, faith and other influential education leaders in the Houston community, will also be held in the coming weeks.  

Chief Cordova encouraged parents to keep firearms securely locked away and urged students, parents and staff to report tips anonymously at any time HISD Police.  

“Campus safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. “If you SEE something, SAY something.” 

If you would like to report an anonymous tip, please call the anonymous tip line at 713-641-7446 or visit this link.