S.B. 838 requires every classroom to be equipped with a SPAT: a Silent Panic Technology Alert system that will enable “immediate contact with district or school emergency services and emergency services agencies, law enforcement agencies, health departments, and fire departments.” This new law says that the SPAT will not satisfy the existing requirement in T.E.C. 37.108(a)(2) that every teacher have access to a telephone in the classroom.

This bill has been signed by the Governor and will apply to every classroom in every public school in the state, including open enrollment charters. However, it does not go into effect until the 2025-26 school year. I’ll bet most districts will have this technology installed before then.

DAWG BONE: NEW ACRONYM: SPAT.

Got a question or comment for the Dawg? Let me hear from you at jwalsh@wabsa.com.

Tomorrow: Toolbox Tuesday!!