The new program will add trained, experienced former law enforcement officers in full-time security roles at elementary schools.
risco ISD remains committed to providing a safe, secure learning environment for all students and staff. In support of that mission and in continued compliance with House Bill 3, the District has announced implementation of a School Marshal Program starting in the 2025-26 school year.
Trustees approved the plan at their regular Board meeting May 12.
In partnership with local police departments, Frisco ISD currently employs School Resource Officers at secondary schools, rotating to elementary campuses for regular checks. While the current program is in legal compliance, adding a School Marshal Program will enable the District to provide elementary campuses with full-time safety personnel.
The School Marshal Program will be rolled out over the next two years, with a goal of full staffing by the end of 2026-27. To prioritize the safety of all students and staff, the District will only hire experienced, highly trained former law enforcement officers as marshals, reinforcing a multi-layered approach to campus security.
“We want Frisco ISD families to know that we are committed to doing everything we can to keep students and staff safe,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip. “The addition of experienced, well-trained school marshals is one of many steps we’re taking to ensure our campuses remain secure and focused on learning."
Frisco ISD is grateful for the partnership of Frisco, McKinney, Plano and Little Elm police departments on the existing School Resource Officer program. Adding marshals at elementary schools will not only enhance security on those campuses, but allow SROs to focus primarily on secondary campuses that serve as their home base.
Training and expectations
With Monday’s Board approval, Frisco ISD will immediately begin the hiring process for lead marshals, who will then assist in the hiring of campus marshals.
Marshals’ sole role will be armed intervention. Their positions will be filled for the explicit purpose of school safety, separate from teachers or other instructional staff.
Qualifications for the marshal positions include:
Lead marshals - Experience in supervising, managing, or providing leadership to groups of commissioned peace officers. Commissioned peace officer experience (five years preferred). Honorably retired commissioned peace officer preferred.
Marshals - Commissioned peace officer experience (five years preferred). Honorably retired commissioned peace officer preferred.
School marshals must:
Complete an 80-hour training course, conducted on law enforcement training grounds. Topics covered in the School Marshal course include physical security, improving the security of the campus, use of force, active shooter response and weapon proficiency.
Complete 16 hours of marshal recertification training every two years.
Possess and maintain a Texas License to Carry.
Pass an L-3 psychological evaluation, which must be recertified every two years.
The school marshal program is licensed and regulated through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, which is the same agency that licenses and regulates all police officers in the state.
Learn more
Job descriptions will be posted on the Employment page
Access House BIll 3, passed in the 88th Legislature