Texas Governor Announces New School Safety System, ‘Sentinel’

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the launch of Sentinel, a new system aimed at enhancing safety and security in schools across the state. The Texas Education Agency's (TEA) Office of School Safety and Security is providing this system free of charge to all schools in Texas. 

"As a new school year approaches, student and staff safety is our top priority," said Governor Abbott. "Sentinel is a comprehensive system designed to improve safety and security standards in our schools. This state-of-the-art technology will enhance threat assessments, improve communication capabilities, and ensure a safer environment for our children and educators."

School Safety and Security Chief John P. Scott praised the initiative, stating,

"Sentinel standardizes Behavioral Threat Assessments (BTAs), allowing schools to identify, assess, and mitigate risks more effectively. This unified approach is crucial for maintaining a safe educational environment."

Sentinel will also play a vital role in statewide emergency operations, providing timely and accurate information to state leaders for swift decision-making. Its mass communications capability ensures schools are informed during local or statewide emergencies, allowing TEA to securely share guidance and resources.

Sentinel has emerged from House Bill 3, which enhanced state monitoring of school safety, and Senate Bill 30, which allocated an additional $1.1 billion to improve school facilities' security.

Governor Abbott's directive in 2022 led to the creation of the Chief of School Safety and Security position, reinforcing communication and collaboration among state agencies to protect Texas students and staff.

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