Audit praises Liberty Hill ISD's safety culture, calls for incident-command training and tech sign-offs

A three-year safety and security audit presented June 15 found Liberty Hill ISD has a strong culture of safety supported by engaged staff, reactive SROs and a comprehensive multi-hazard operations plan, while identifying discrete opportunities to strengthen emergency response systems.

Ron Phillips, who presented the audit findings for Krux Security Solutions, summarized the work performed: a document review, on-site assessments at each campus and a physical-security evaluation conducted March 30'April 3. Phillips said the audit highlighted "the comprehensive multi-hazard emergency operations plan" and "a strong culture of access control and exterior door security," and singled out the district police and SRO engagement as a strength.

At the same time, the audit recommended several targeted improvements. Phillips and Dr. Salazar urged expanding National Incident Management System (NIMS) training to ensure consistent incident-command organization at campus level; integrating campus floor plans with camera and access-control systems to speed responder orientation; updating exterior and wayfinding signage; ensuring panic-button coverage and intrusion alarm integration; and standardizing emergency-response kits and after-action tools across campuses. Phillips characterized most observations as "enhancement opportunities rather than any critical deficiencies."

Trustees thanked the presenters and several praised collaboration among ISD staff, county operations, local fire and law-enforcement partners and Williamson County emergency operations during the audit process. The board requested continued work on recommended items and noted many recommendations align with planned summer projects.

What happens next: staff will work on NIMS training rollout, technology integration plans and signage/equipment updates and report progress to trustees as projects move forward.