September 29, 2022

A panel of law enforcement and safety officials discussed campus security at the first Wildcat Talks family and community event on September 29, 2022, at Godley 6th Grade Campus.

Sheriff Adam King reported on the development of the Johnson County Active Threat Response Protocol developed following meetings this summer at Godley High School involving area law enforcement agencies and school districts. With the purpose to coordinate law enforcement response to an emergency caused by an active assailant, the protocol establishes the need for immediate action by officers first on the scene to stop further violence.  The agreement also sets out procedures for requesting assistance, establishing incident command, radio communications, and media inquiries.  

The Sheriff’s Office will serve as the coordinating agency for the protocol, and a meeting of law enforcement and school administrators will be held twice annually.  The sheriff also discussed deputies having access to Godley schools for training exercises.

Brian Hunt, the school district’s safety and well-being director, reported on new measures to improve campus security.  District employees are working to ensure that all exterior doors are secure and that none are opened for unknown individuals or left propped open.  Hunt reported that the district conducts weekly exterior door audits and that visitor check-in requirements are continually evaluated.  

The number of guardians, volunteer employees who undergo extensive training to carry concealed weapons on school grounds, is also increasing with the number, identities, and locations kept confidential.  Hunt also provided tips for parents to discuss with their students regarding reporting of suspicious activity and having situational awareness while at school.

The district’s school resource officer, Dusty Ford of the Godley Police Department, reported that the city and school district were partnering to add additional officers.  In addition, Constable Matt Wylie, who serves Johnson County Precinct 1, discussed the many ways that he and deputy constables can help respond to potential active-threat incidents given their close proximity to Godley.

The event also included a growth presentation by Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear, who reported that enrollment continues to climb with the number of students increasing 67% over the last ten years, with 1,672 students enrolled in 2012 compared to just over 2,800 for the current school year.  Enrollment has increased an average of 7% annually but that growth rate could increase to 15% each year over the next few years.

Demographers predict that the district will add nearly 900 new students in the near future and 5,000 over the next ten years. The superintendent reviewed proposed regional transportation corridors, future commercial enterprises, and developing residential subdivisions with over 20,000 homes currently in the planning stage.

During an “Ask Godley ISD” session, district administrators addressed questions from parents and residents submitted that night as well as some sent through the online form on the district website. Topics included the opening of Pleasant View Elementary School, youth basketball association sign-ups, reopening of elementary campuses for parent lunches and activities, traffic procedures including drop-off and pick-up procedures, career and technical education programs, and the Long Range Facility Planning Committee, and additional issues and concerns raised by parents and residents at the meeting.

The event also gave booster clubs, PTO, and community groups to provide information to attendees.

Pictured are (left to right) Dr. Dear, Constable Wylie, Officer Ford, Sheriff King, and Hunt.