San Antonio Congress Member Proposes $4.6M Security Project for North East ISD
In a recent move aimed to bolster safety measures in schools, District 23 U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, proposed a $4.6 million project for heightened security within the North East Independent School District (NEISD) of San Antonio.
Request for Federal Funding
Speaking to the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, of which he is a member, Gonzales requested his colleagues’ support in sourcing federal funding for this ambitious project. The Representative explained that the monies would primarily be used to upgrade the current security infrastructure throughout the NEISD, secure mandatory school safety training for the district’s law enforcement division, and provide necessary equipment to protect students during emergencies.
Reinforcing Protection within the District
Gonzales, who represents a congressional district that spans from North San Antonio through to regions of West Texas, asserted his commitment to improving the safety of the educational institutions within his remit. “In Congress, I’ve helped deliver millions of dollars to school districts across South and West Texas, and the nation, to improve school safety,” he noted. “This is another significant step in our journey towards creating safe spaces for our students.”
With the House Appropriations Committee scheduled to submit the last of its appropriations bill on June 10, Gonzales pledged his dedication to ensuring that these funds are approved.
NEISD Leadership Welcomes the Proposal
The proposal has been warmly welcomed by NEISD superintendent, Sean Maika. Explaining that the Superintendent and other district officials are committed to strengthening the security and safeness of their spaces, Maika stated, “The community project funding request selected by Congressman Gonzales will allow us to respond more quickly and effectively to active shooters, improve officer safety and training, as well as provide necessary resources for campus response.”
This announcement has come at a time when discussions around school safety and student wellbeing have taken a central stage in the debates on education. If approved, the $4.6 million funding could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other districts around the country.
Leadership within the NEISD has regularly emphasized school safety measures, such as routine checking of external doors at school premises. Under these circumstances, the recent request by Rep. Gonzales could further help to shore up current safety measures and instill confidence in the students, parents, and staff alike.
