District invests in emergency access roads, officer staffing, and new patrol vehicles to enhance safety across campuses.
PORTLAND, Texas — Gregory-Portland Independent School District is strengthening campus safety through new infrastructure, law enforcement partnerships, and voter-approved bond investments.
District leaders say student and staff safety remains the top priority as planning continues for the replacement campus of T.M. Clark Elementary, which is being built on Billy G. Webb.
As part of the planning process, the district says it has completed a traffic impact study to evaluate access, circulation, and emergency response needs.
While the study did not initially call for an additional access point, the City of Portland later required an emergency access road as a condition for final occupancy approval.
The district explored alternative options, but they were not approved. Construction then moved forward on the emergency access road on Cedar Road to meet city requirements. The project is now part of the district’s 2025 bond program, approved by voters.
“Safety is always a top priority for Gregory-Portland ISD,” said Superintendent Dr. Michelle Cavazos. She said the project reflects careful planning and community collaboration to ensure safe, accessible school environments.
The district is also expanding partnerships with local law enforcement to increase campus security.
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, all Portland campuses will have a dedicated Portland Police Department officer during the school day. Stephen F. Austin Elementary in Gregory will also have a dedicated Gregory Police Department officer through an interlocal agreement.
To support the initiative, the district allocated $750,000 from the 2025 bond program for School Resource Officer vehicles and equipment.
The district has since purchased eight new fully equipped police vehicles for use in the upcoming school year.