MISSION, TEXAS (June 10, 2026) — Mission CISD leaders, safety personnel, community partners, and stakeholders gathered on June 8 for the District Safety and Security Committee Meeting, continuing the district's proactive efforts to strengthen campus safety and enhance emergency preparedness across all schools.
The committee reviewed several initiatives aimed at protecting students and staff, including updates on intruder detection audits, facility safety improvements, emergency operations planning, bad weather preparedness, and substance abuse awareness.
As part of the meeting, district officials shared updates related to the ongoing audit process and the district’s continued work to address safety procedures, strengthen campus readiness, and ensure compliance with state safety requirements.
The committee also received an important presentation from Martin Gutierrez, Opioid Epidemiologist with Hidalgo County Health & Human Services, who shared information regarding opioid abuse awareness, prevention strategies and community resources available to support students and families. The presentation highlighted the importance of education and awareness as schools and communities work together to combat substance abuse.
In addition, Captain Randy Cruz with the Mission Fire Department provided a presentation on emergency management and preparedness for bad weather events. The presentation focused on the importance of planning, communication and coordination between schools and emergency responders to help ensure campuses are prepared before, during and after severe weather situations.
Members also discussed safety enhancements being made to elementary school gymnasiums and reviewed emergency operations procedures designed to ensure campuses remain prepared to respond to a variety of situations.
Mission CISD's District Safety and Security Committee was established under Texas Education Code 37.109 and serves as a collaborative body that brings together district leaders, law enforcement, emergency management personnel, parents, staff and community representatives to evaluate and strengthen school safety measures.
"Student and staff safety remains our highest priority," said Martin Castañeda, Mission CISD Director of Safety and Security. "Through ongoing audits, facility improvements, emergency preparedness planning and partnerships with local agencies, we continue to identify opportunities to make our schools safer and more secure for everyone."
Over the past several years, Mission CISD has invested millions of dollars in safety infrastructure, security enhancements and emergency preparedness initiatives. These efforts include campus fencing projects, safety grant-funded improvements, regular safety audits, emergency drills and ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement and public safety agencies.
The district will continue to evaluate safety practices, implement improvements and engage stakeholders in meaningful discussions that support a safe and positive learning environment for all students.
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