New cameras, fencing, bullet proof windows could come to TUSD schools amid rise in threats | News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — From cameras to bullet proof windows to 8 foot fences, all of these changes could soon be coming to Tucson Unified Schools. It was revealed during a Wednesday TUSD virtual meeting addressing the recent threats its schools have been getting.

A time frame was not talked about only that these measures were coming soon.

Officials say the money to pay for these new security measures would be coming from a $480 million bond that voters passed in November of 2023.

“We’re going to be going (getting) 8 foot fencing in a lot of areas with brand new chain link product,” said Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo of the Tucson Unified School District.

These measures come amid the rise in social media threats against schools a trend happening not just in Southern Arizona but around the country.

“Every school in the district is going to receive modernized video surveillance camera systems. Classroom windows we’re going to be looking at window film security film that’s going to be pretty much shatter resistant,” Trujillo said.

Dr. Trujillo says when it comes to bullet proof class he wants to see them put in place in classrooms and offices facing the street or public areas.

“Any intruder whether trying to shoot their way in or smash their way in it’s going to take them a significant amount of time to bust through this new product,” Trujillo said.

These proposed measures, says Dr. Trujillo, would give Tucson police enough time to respond in the case of an emergency situation.

Also in attendance in Wednesday’s meeting the TUSD safety director along with Tucson police.

The group taking questions from the public in comments read out loud by school officials.

“Have the recent threats warranted any increase or change in safety protocols?” asked Karla Escamilla, a TUSD spokeswoman.

“No and I wish I could say this was necessarily uncommon, now its uncommon to the volume that we’ve seen in the last week or so,” said Joe Hallums, the TUSD safety director.

Dr. Trujillo also had a stern warning for any students caught making these threats would be expelled. Tucson police adding to that warning.

“A student could possibly be arrested. There’s a felony and a misdemeanor charge we could use,” Sgt. David Hill from the Tucson Police Department.

The district urging parents to monitor their child’s social media behavior and and if they see a threatening post to alert police.

“Please do not repost,” Trujillo said.

Superintendent Trujillo addressed some concerns from parents who say they’re worried about their child’s safety– adding that the district is looking into virtual learning options.

He also acknowledged that the district can do a better job at internal information so that parents are always up to date with what’s happening at school.