There is no doubt that our children face a more dangerous environment than ever before. Keeping our children safe and protected is our community’s most important goal. School districts nationwide wrestle with how to accomplish this, and small communities with their limited funds are often challenged with this issue. The Pottsboro Independent School District [PISD] has faced this challenge, and thanks to the efforts of parents, concerned community members, and dedicated school district officials, a solution was created to help bring some peace of mind to the parents of students who attend the Pottsboro schools.
The Cardinal Protection Board is a non-profit organization that was created to help fund the hiring of an armed security guard. Emily Sissney, board member and Secretary of the Cardinal Protection board, was one of the original founders of the organization. “Our oldest child was starting school, and we wanted to have that peace of mind that we could help with protecting our kids in the event of a similar circumstance. We realized that adding an armed security guard would bring our comfort level up, but we needed to get some funding for a position.”
Biff Thornton, a Pottsboro school board member who serves on the Cardinal Protection board, as well as a parent of students at PISD, shares similar concerns. “I was also involved in the beginning. As a parent of two small kids, I feel more comfortable knowing that we have an armed guardian on site in case of an emergency or other circumstance. I am proud that the community makes our children’s safety a priority and has some ownership in our efforts by donating and contributing financially to make this happen. We have an annual fundraiser each year that people can attend to donate and be a part of our efforts. Hopefully, we will be able to add another armed guardian in the future."
Dr. Danielle Powell, Assistant Pottsboro ISD Superintendent, and a Cardinal Protection board member, offers why Cardinal Protection is so important. “The mission of Cardinal Protection is to ensure the safety of every student, teacher, and staff member at Pottsboro ISD in the event of an on-campus threat. In today’s environment, the district’s partnership with Cardinal Protection reassures stakeholders that we are working together to do everything possible to prevent or mitigate worst-case scenarios. I believe that funding a full-time armed security guard is not only about responding to threats, but also about deterring them. Visible, highly trained security personnel can discourage incidents, identify potential issues before they escalate, and strengthen the overall culture of safety on our campuses.” Cardinal Protection provides the armed security guards at the middle school and elementary campuses. Having that person there does allow the district to keep the SRO at the high school, which is a huge asset. Powell continues, "Most importantly, my focus is on protecting both the emotional and physical well-being of our students. Safety is not only about preventing threats but also about creating an environment where students feel secure, supported, and ready to learn. When students feel safe, they can focus more fully on learning, friendships, and growth.”
To get more information, visit CardinalProtection.com
"When students feel safe, they can focus more fully on learning, friendships, and growth.”