At last night’s Board meeting, the Ponder ISD school board unanimously approved a new partnership with the Ponder Police Department to bring a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) to our district.
This SRO will rotate among Ponder Elementary, Ponder Upper Elementary, Ponder Junior High and Ponder High School, supported by the Ponder Police Department. The officer will be an on-site law-enforcement presence, available to build relationships with students and staff, support preventive efforts, and respond rapidly to incident situations.
“We know that creating a safe, secure and welcoming environment is key to ensuring our students can focus on learning,” said Superintendent Dr. James Hill. “The approval from our Board of Trustees reflects their commitment to student safety, and this is a wonderful step forward for our district and for our town.”
A strong foundation of preparation
Ponder ISD already maintains a robust safety and security program, including written protocols for emergencies, drills, visitor sign-in procedures, anonymous reporting for bullying and safety concerns, and coordination with first responders. Additionally, the district is aligning with the Texas-designed School Defender Program, which equips faculty, staff and response teams with skills to protect themselves and children while waiting for first responders.
What this means for students, parents and community
A dedicated SRO brings an enhanced presence for safety, advocacy, and student support.
The officer will work in close partnership with principals, teachers, and counselors to support student welfare.
This initiative demonstrates the district’s mission: students learn best when they feel safe, secure and supported.
Ponder ISD thanks the Board of Trustees and the Town of Ponder for their leadership and support of this critical investment in our students’ safety.