Harlingen CISD "Guardians" program to protect campuses

Harlingen, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District revealed its new “guardians” program, set to increase security on school grounds.

In light of recurring school violence, school guardians programs were formed across Texas, enabled by recent state legislature on school security.

Danny Castillo, HCISD director of emergency management and school safety, explained that House Bill 3 "did provide some additional avenues for school districts to implement programs like the guardian program.”

He emphasized their guardians would act as another “layer” of security, and cut their current support from the Harlingen Police Department.

Guardian Tim Flores expanded on the matter for concerned parents. 

“We have the same training as they do," Flores said. "Sometimes we might even have a little bit more. Some of us are ex-SWAT. Some of us are ex-DPS troopers. Some of us are Border Patrol.”

Unlike surrounding school districts, HCISD does not have its own police department, and instead contracts officers from Harlingen PD and others.

Pressure for HCISD to fund their own guardians came from the city.

Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda spoke at the event, applauding the project’s haste in light of following the city’s request.

“It’s hard when the legislator comes down and gives you a mandate, and sometimes doesn’t give you all the money to secure the things that we need in our school district," Sepulveda said. "Or within our communities, to know that you created - immediately - an innovative program that is going to take care of our children.”

HCISD is currently recruiting parent and student ambassadors to reassure public concern.