PRESS RELEASE

March 23, 2023

As the need for heightened school-safety measures becomes more apparent, North Texas Collegiate Academy is proud to be the first school system in Texas to adopt the “SafeDefend Active Shooter Response System.”

The system is the most comprehensive solution available as it provides training on identification, intervention, and prevention of a violent crisis event as well as utilizing multiple ways of communication and response in the event a crisis. Each classroom and large common spaces within all buildings throughout the district will be equipped with a safety box and an activation module.

The system provides instant notification in multiple ways in cases of an active shooter or life-threatening crisis. Once a staff member activates the device, an instant notification is sent to dispatch and any law enforcement officers programmed in the system, along with a text message, email and voice alert over the PA to staff within that building, and administration across the district. The notification will put a building on lockdown immediately. The system identifies the exact GPS location of the crisis down to the specific room where the system was activated. Staff members are immediately notified of the location of the crisis through text and email, a 911 call is placed, and a voice alert will notify building occupants.

Not only will the SafeDefend Active Shooter Response System provide a quicker response time for law enforcement, but it will also instantly notify the school’s highly-trained armed Guardians who stand ready to defend students and staff in the event of an active shooter situation. “Of course, when law enforcement arrives on the scene, they are in charge. But in the critical first seconds of an incident, it’s imperative that our Guardians take action. In a crisis like this, seconds matter,” said Superintendent Dr. Lisa Stanley. “This system will show our Guardians the exact location of the shooter, allowing us to lockdown and/or evacuate students and staff away from incident point and enable Guardians to take action immediately.”

SafeDefend will also provide staff with the tools and training to survive an active shooter event by supporting Stop-the-Bleed training, trauma-informed first aid guidance and supplies needed to provide emergency care until help arrives. SafeDefend has been installed in over 300 schools in 11 states and their team has trained over 20,000 teachers and staff in the best practices for crisis management and active shooter response. North Texas Collegiate Academy is proud to be the first school system in Texas to implement this program. Brandon Neeley, Director of School Improvement at NTxCA believes “SafeDefend gives us another layer of defense and preparedness in the event of an intruder. It will guide first responders and school Guardians to the scene of any potential danger to our students and staff, allowing us to take action more quickly.”

For more information about this system, please contact Jeff Green, President by email at Jeff@safedefend.com. For more information about North Texas Collegiate Academy and the school’s full range of safety and security protocol, please contact Dr. Lisa Stanley, Superintendent by email at lisa.stanley@ntxca.org or by phone at (940) 383-6655.

At North Texas Collegiate Academy, the safety of our students, staff, and faculty is our highest priority. With the ever-evolving landscape of school safety concerns, we recognize the importance of implementing proactive measures to ensure a secure learning environment. That’s why we have partnered with SaferWatch, an advanced emergency communication and threat reporting platform, to enhance safety across our campus.

Why SaferWatch?

In an emergency, every second counts. SaferWatch empowers our school with real-time communication, allowing us to respond swiftly and effectively to any situation. By integrating SaferWatch into our safety protocols, we are providing our staff with a powerful tool to report concerns, receive critical alerts, and stay informed in times of crisis.

Key Features That Strengthen Our Security

1. Mobile & LTE Panic Buttons
Teachers and staff now have access to instant emergency response through mobile and LTE panic buttons. Whether inside a classroom, on the playground, or in the office, staff members can discreetly alert law enforcement with the push of a button.

2. Mass Notifications & Alerts
During emergencies, timely information is crucial. SaferWatch enables administrators to send mass notifications to staff regarding severe weather, lockdowns, or other safety concerns.

3. Direct Integration with Law Enforcement
SaferWatch connects our school directly to local law enforcement, ensuring a rapid response when needed. This integration strengthens our partnership with first responders and enhances overall campus security.

A Commitment to a Safer Future

At Texas Collegiate Academy, we believe that a safe learning environment is essential for student success. By adopting SaferWatch, we are taking a proactive approach to school safety, equipping our staff with the tools to prevent, respond to, and recover from potential threats.

For more information on how SaferWatch is transforming school safety, visitSaferWatchApp.com.

The safety of our students and staff is paramount at NTxCA.  In addition to the installation of ballistic film on all glass entry doors and windows, locked entrances, perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras and other safety measures, the Board of NTxCA has authorized the Superintendent to implement a Guardian Program in which certain NTxCA staff members may carry firearms on their person on campus and during any school-sponsored event.  

Guardians are approved by the Superintendent after completing rigorous annual training that includes psychological screening, marksmanship drills, active shooter and hostage scenarios and ongoing practice and emergency preparedness drills. Guardians are not identified by the public on any campus but are registered as School Safety Officers through the Texas Department of Public Safety.  

Our adopted policy is attached for your review.  Any questions regarding the Guardian Program can be directed to Mr. Brandon Neeley, Director of School Improvement at brandon.neeley@ntxca.org or by phone at 940-383-6665 x 104.