The recent playground upgrades at Belton ISD elementary schools are just a part of an estimated $6 million in safety enhancements funded by the 2022 Bond. Other projects include the installation of shatter-resistant film, secure vestibules, campus building and door identification upgrades, keyless access, improved video systems, and exterior lighting improvements. 

The shatter-resistant film was installed at all campuses this summer in accordance with new TEA requirements. “Following the bond's passage, the TEA changed the school safety guidelines but also offered some grant money,” said Belton ISD Assistant Superintendent of Operations Mike Morgan. “We invested approximately $600,000 on shatter-resistant film, which the grant funds ultimately covered. Every campus in our district was impacted, and it gets us to TEA standards. We will now be able to use that portion of funding for other safety investments.”

Grant funding from the TEA also covered the costs of exterior door numbering throughout the district, another new TEA requirement that is intended to help first responders identify all entrances and exits in the event of an emergency. An architect is currently working on the construction documents for the security vestibules, and a technology consultant is supporting the district with plans for access control and security camera upgrades. Morgan said the district expects to identify contractors for these projects this fall so construction and installation can begin as soon as possible. 

“Safety has been and continues to be a priority in Belton ISD, and the investments included in the 2022 Bond are a testament to our community’s ongoing support to help us keep our students and staff safe. While there have been prior investments in access control, and every campus has some level of access control in place, the 2022 Bond allows us to take it to the next level by providing a secure vestibule at all campuses and the transportation department.”