On August 17, our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Susan Kincannon sent the following message to all Waco ISD families and staff.

Parents and guardians can find additional resources to support important conversations with their students by following this link.

August 17, 2023

Dear Waco ISD Families,

I want to bring to your attention two significant changes in law that were recently passed by the Texas Legislature. Impacts from these changes may be seen or experienced by your student this school year, and I want you to be informed of the steps that Waco ISD is taking to comply.

Armed Security Officers

House Bill 3 addresses school safety and includes a requirement that districts have at least one armed security officer per campus. To comply, Waco ISD is actively recruiting 12 additional School Resource Officers (SROs). 

Qualified law enforcement job applicants are in high demand, making it a challenge to hire SROs. Where an SRO position is not able to be filled, an off-duty police officer will be used for security. An alternative standard plan that provides for increased patrols and rapid response times from the Waco ISD Police Department and city and county law enforcement partners will be used when both SROs and off-duty police officers are not available. 

Vapes

House Bill 114 requires school districts to implement mandatory Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) placements for students found in possession of, using, selling, giving, or delivering e-cigarettes on school grounds or at a school-related event. Additionally, any student found to be in possession of a THC vape cartridge shall be charged with a state jail felony. In accordance with state law, any student caught with e-cigarettes or vapes will be subject to immediate DAEP placement. 

We are committed to reinforcing awareness and education about the dangers of e-cigarettes and their impact on health, and we invite you to join us in these efforts. If you need assistance talking to your child about the dangers of vaping, or if your child is in need of support to quit vaping, we encourage you to access the resources available in the news section of our website, wacoisd.org. 

Your partnership is greatly appreciated, and we ask that you discuss the risks associated with e-cigarette usage with your child and emphasize the importance of not bringing these devices to school. Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s principal.

Sincerely,

Susan Kincannon, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools