Region 4 and Sam Houston State University Partner to Strengthen School Safety

 

Contact: Stephanie Noriega, Chief of the Center for Strategic Communications and Engagement, Region 4 Education Service Center
Phone: 832.541.3121
Email: stephanie.noriega@esc4.net

 

 

 

HOUSTON, Texas—Region 4 Education Service Center (Region 4) and Sam Houston State University (SHSU) officially announced a historic partnership at the McKinney Conference Center on February 28, 2025. The event marked a significant step in advancing crisis preparedness and response training for school leaders and law enforcement professionals. The celebration signaled the beginning of a partnership that will enhance school safety initiatives across the Houston-Galveston region.

 

This collaboration combines the expertise of Region 4’s Office of Emergency Management and School Safety and SHSU’s Center for Assessment, Research, and Educational Safety (C.A.R.E.S.). The initiative integrates Crisis Response Leader Training (CRLT) through advanced video simulation, cutting-edge technology, and real-time data to better equip school leaders for emergency situations through refining and expanding the Active Shooter Preparedness (ASP) Certification Program.

 

“This partnership has been more than two years in the making, and today’s signing is a testament to our shared commitment to ensuring safer schools,” said Dr. Matt Fuller, Director of C.A.R.E.S. at SHSU. “By leveraging technology, research, and leadership training, we are helping prepare educators and law enforcement for real-world scenarios.”

 

The event brought together representatives from local education agencies, law enforcement agencies, and congressional offices. The participation of these key stakeholders underscores the critical importance of proactive planning and collaboration in addressing school safety challenges.

 

“Today was one of the most exciting days in school safety in a long time,” said Ken Culbreath, Director of the Office of Emergency Management and School Safety at Region 4. “This partnership strengthens our ability to support districts with preparedness, crisis response, and the resources needed to create a safe learning environment. It’s about ensuring every district has the tools and knowledge to respond effectively, not just to active shooter threats, but to all crises.”

 

Law enforcement officials emphasized the critical role of preplanned exercises in improving response strategies. “Training ahead of time ensures that, when the worst happens, we are ready,” said Lt. James Hook of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. “The more you train, the better the outcome, because you’ve already mapped out a response and learned from past exercises.”

 

“School safety is a shared responsibility,” added Mark Miranda, Chief of District Operations at Spring ISD. “Region 4 gives us an extra set of eyes, ensuring that we’re taking the right steps to keep students and staff safe. The support and resources provided through this partnership have exceeded our expectations.”

 

Waller ISD’s Executive Director of School Safety, Jamie Woodall, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Region 4’s role as a trusted partner. “Region 4 is such a valuable resource for schools. When districts collaborate with their Office of Emergency Management and School Safety, they elevate their procedures,

ensuring best practices are in place for students and staff.”

 

As Region 4 continues to expand its reach, school districts and community members are encouraged to participate. “The next step is simple—reach out,” said Culbreath. “We are here to provide guidance, training, and resources to help schools prepare for any crisis.”

 

For more information on the Region 4 and SHSU partnership, or to learn how you can get involved, please contact Dallis Warren, Region 4 School Safety Review Program Specialist, at dallis.warren@esc4.net.

 

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Region 4 is one of 20 regional education service centers established by the Texas Legislature in 1967 to assist school districts and charter schools in improving student performance and districts’ efficiency. Regional education service centers are nonregulatory, intermediate education units. Texas Education Code, Chapter 8, allows each school district to voluntarily be served by a regional education service center.

 

Region 4 serves 47 public school districts and 43 open-enrollment charter schools, representing more than 1.2 million students, 111,000 educators, and 1,500 campuses across eight counties. To learn more, visit esc4.net.