November 10, 2025
What a powerful day at our School Safety Expo! More than 300 educators, law enforcement officials, and mental health professionals came together to strengthen school safety and share real-world strategies.
The day opened with an impactful keynote from Kevin Foust, retired Associate Vice President for Safety and Security at Virginia Tech, who responded to the 2007 campus shooting that left 32 dead and 17 wounded. His message challenged attendees to reflect on preparedness, communication, and leadership during crises.
A highlight of the day was the Texas Education Agency panel featuring James Finley, John Jones, and Jamie Woodall, who answered questions and shared safety insights. Breakout sessions featured experts such as Brian Clason of the Texas School Safety Center, Dr. Ninfa Peña-Purcell on opioid prevention, and FBI Special Agent J. Bray, who covered emergency operations, threat assessment, mental health, and crisis leadership.
Region 4 also proudly honored Clear Creek ISD’s Health Services and Bay Area Alliance, Channelview ISD, and the Spring Branch ISD–FBI Threat Mitigation Task Force as this year’s Dr. Rod Paige School Safety Award recipients for their exceptional contributions to school safety.
Clear Creek ISD’s Health Services and the Bay Area Alliance demonstrated leadership and innovation by hosting the inaugural School Nurse Summit, which provided nurses across the Region 4 area with professional learning, practical skill-building, and networking opportunities. Sessions covered clinical care, emergency response, mental health, chronic disease management, and resilience strategies, equipping school nurses to better support student well-being while fostering a regional network of collaborators.
Channelview ISD earned the Safety Team Award for its comprehensive approach to a student-led protest, implementing clear safety protocols, defined roles, and collaboration with counselors and law enforcement. These measures ensured the event remained peaceful, maintained student rights, and prioritized safety through transparent communication and strong community partnerships.
Spring Branch ISD–FBI Threat Mitigation Task Force was recognized for its rapid and decisive response to a credible school threat. Within hours, the team identified and safely removed two potential perpetrators, neutralizing a planned armed assault and preventing a mass casualty event. Their actions exemplify professional excellence, interagency coordination, and the life-saving impact of proactive threat assessment.
These award recipients exemplify dedication, innovation, and collaboration, serving as models for advancing school safety and protecting students across the region.