Trustees approve Blandon Elementary perimeter fencing as part of district-wide safety upgrade

The CARROLLTON-FARMERS BRANCH ISD board on March 5 approved a purchase for perimeter fencing at Blandon Elementary as the first phase of a broader elementary fencing upgrade.

Mr. Moore explained the elementary fencing program grew from consolidation funding and an $11.5 million allocation for elementary fence upgrades. District staff reviewed 22 campuses and found inconsistent materials and gaps in perimeter coverage at many sites; eight campuses already meet the district’s standardized fencing profile (rod iron, six-foot non-scalable fences). Blandon has little or no perimeter fence and relies on adjacent residential fences, the presentation said.

The Blandon purchase will install a six-foot perimeter fence with required double-swing gates and crash-bar egress, with site-specific layouts developed with principals to preserve fire lanes and usable play areas. Mr. Moore said most of the fencing projects will take about 60 days from start to finish, weather permitting, and additional campus fencing procurements will come to the board over the next 12 months.

Trustees approved a motion delegating authority to the superintendent to execute purchases and contracts in the district’s interest for Blandon; the vote was unanimous.

What's next: administration will bring remaining campus-specific fencing items to consent agendas as projects are finalized and funding is allocated.