R10 Safety 1st Conference 2025

Students cannot learn unless they feel safe. As Celina ISD experiences exponential growth, building multiple schools each year, we are purposefully designing schools that create a stronger sense of community while ensuring our campuses are physically secure. This session will help participants learn some of the lessons we have learned in designing new campuses where our students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Forney ISD wanted to create a first of its kind learning facility that not only addressed their growing capacity needs at the high school level and a desire to expand CTE programming, but also provide immersive entrepreneurial experiences as well as learning opportunities for the entire Forney Family. The Keith Bell Opportunity Central provides learning for ages 3 to 103, higher education pathways for graduates and their families alike, spaces designed for ‘edutainment’, and a community resource for the entire district. The first floor is open to the public full time while the second and third floors are for high school students during the school day, and higher education and community access after-hours. Join us to learn about how the team integrated safety and security into the design of a facility with public use as a desired outcome.

Participants in this sessions will hear perspectives from the panelists including a school district police chief, assistant superintendent of safety and operations as well as former superintendent of schools. Each brings a unique background and experiences to the current challenges of school safety that will resonate with all school leaders today. With the current Texas law compliance requirements of House Bill 3, panelists will explore various options for integrating law enforcement in all schools while ensuring a safe, healthy learning environment. Panelists will also explore the importance of strong communications and relationships with school leaders and law enforcement in providing safe schools. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with panelists and initiate and submit discussion questions that are relevant to their specific interests and circumstances surrounding school safety.