Dr. Kathy Rollo Talks School Starting Dates and School Safety
Thursday on KFYO Mornings with Dave King and Matt Martin the Superintendent of Lubbock ISD Dr. Kathy Rollo joined Dave and Matt to talk about school starting early, student safety on campus, arming teachers, grading systems, and more.
Schools of Lubbock ISD are starting early this year, on August 15th, and Dr. Rollo gave an explanation on why. She explained that many districts are trying to have more flexibility of their schedules and more local control. Kids will be able to get back to school sooner, which will also create good opportunities for professional development days that will give kids 3 day weekends.
Dr. Rollo also spoke about school safety and the idea of implementing things like metal detectors at school, arming teachers, and restricting access points at schools. Dr. Rollo explained that they have had several meetings with students and community members to get feedback on what needs to be done to improve safety. Additionally, they have had behavioral training on what to do in the case of emergencies, and are adjusting facilities to be safer.
"I will say, our board of trustees is extremely committed to doing whatever we need to do to keep our students safe, and so all things are being considered."
This list of things being considered includes the idea of arming teachers, however, this has not come out in community meetings and students have made it clear that it is not something they want. Additionally, they are making efforts to make sure that LPD can visit campuses and check up on things. Rollo explained, "We will have increased police presence both from our own police department and LPD on our campuses this year." Finally, she explained that metal detectors have not been shown to be effective, and that entrances and exits at schools are being monitored.
Dr. Rollo also spoke on grading systems and possible confusion it can cause, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills system, and the 3 pillars that are guiding the work at Lubbock ISD, being, "valuing data, loving people, and developing leaders."
Watch the full interview with Dr. Kathy Rollo in the video above.