Adopted Amended Rules Concerning Safe Schools

Overview 

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is committed to supporting local educational agencies (LEAs) in their efforts to improve the safety and security of school facilities for staff, students, and visitors. This To the Administrator Addressed provides information related to Adopted Amended 19 TAC Chapter 103, Health and Safety, Subchapter CC, Commissioner’s Rules Concerning Safe Schools, §103.1209 Mandatory School Drills and §103.1211 Active Threat Exercises.  

Amended Rulemaking 

In accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), Sections §37.114 and §37.1141, the Commissioner of Education is charged with rulemaking regarding the implementation of and best practices for conducting Mandatory School Drills and Active Threat Exercises.  

The adopted amendment to §103.1209 reorganizes definitions to distinguish between general terms, terms defining levels of exercises, and terms defining types of drills. The changes ensure distinction between events that include persons role-playing as active aggressors and circumstances designed to train for, assess, practice, and improve incident mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery in a risk-free environment. The adopted amendment to §103.1211 further outlines the requirements a school district must meet if it elects to conduct active threat exercises. 

These amendments focus on preparedness while simultaneously ensuring drills conducted are developmentally appropriate. Administrators should adjust practices to ensure a proper balance between safety and support. 

The amended rulemaking was effective October 10, 2023. 

Questions and Resources 

Additional school safety resources are posted on the School Safety webpage.

For questions regarding school safety-related rulemaking, please contact Shane Sexton (shane.sexton@tea.texas.gov) in the Office of School Safety and Security.