HEB ISD Proposes Enhanced Safety Measures and Mental Health Support Following Student Incident

In the wake of a recent student altercation that underscored gaps in campus security, the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District (HEB ISD) is considering a series of new initiatives focused on student safety and mental health support.

Key proposals include mandatory de-escalation and conflict-resolution training for all staff, the establishment of dedicated crisis-response teams on each campus, and the hiring of additional hall monitors to ensure consistent supervision in busy areas.

To address growing concerns about student mental health, the district plans to expand its counseling services by adding licensed social workers and psychologists. Additionally, weekly well-being check-ins will be integrated into the advisory period. Administrators are also looking to pilot a peer-mentor program, pairing upper-grade "safety ambassadors" with younger students to foster positive relationships and encourage early reporting of potential issues.

Parents can expect updated protocols for incident reporting, including a streamlined mobile app for anonymous tips and a faster notification system for guardians. The board is also exploring partnerships with mental health nonprofits to host on-campus workshops for students and families covering stress management, digital citizenship, and substance-abuse prevention.

Superintendent Joe Harrington emphasized that these measures aim to build a culture of trust and support: "Our goal is not just to respond better to crises, but to prevent them by equipping staff and students with the tools they need." The board will vote on funding allocations for these initiatives in their August meeting, with rollout planned for the start of the next academic year.