Crime at KISD: Police chief briefs school board on crime reports from previous school year Erik Hydorn, chief of police for Killeen Independent School District, presented data on criminal incidents reported during the 2024-25 school year to the district’s board of trustees during a workshop meeting. The presentation included statistics on drug, alcohol, and tobacco cases, as well as trends in assault, terroristic threats, and other incidents across KISD campuses. Hydorn noted that drug-related cases had decreased by approximately 54% compared to the 2023-24 school year, from 125 to 57, attributing the decline to interventions by campus administrators. The chief also highlighted a six-year comparison of criminal incidents, showing an average of about 103 assault cases per school year. While assault cases slightly decreased in 2024-25—from 127 to 124—there was a notable rise in terroristic threats, which increased from 10 to 21 cases between the two years. Hydorn mentioned that one homicide occurred in the 2024-25 school year, referencing the March 10, 2025, stabbing at Roy J. Smith Middle School, which marked the one-year anniversary of the incident. Other cases reported for the 2024-25 school year included 192 incidents categorized as “other cases,” such as assisting law enforcement, locating runaways, and resolving non-criminal matters. Hydorn explained that these cases are documented and reported as part of the district’s records. Overall, the total number of incidents decreased from 534 in 2023-24 to 455 in 2024-25. The presentation also detailed disciplinary incidents involving weapons, with 14 cases at the high school level, 36 at the middle school level, and 29 at the elementary level.#killeen_independent_school_district #erik_hydorn #roy_j_smith_middle_school #k_9_units #anti_bullying_training
KISD Board of Trustees approves sale of former elementary school The Killeen Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a resolution to sell the former Bellaire Elementary School property to the City of Killeen during a Tuesday evening workshop meeting. The property, located at 108 W Jasper Drive, will be used to establish a new fire station to replace Killeen Fire Station 5, which is currently situated about a quarter mile away. Adam Rich, KISD’s assistant superintendent for facilities services, presented the proposal to the board. He noted that the city has agreed to purchase the property for $803,000 in cash, as determined by an appraisal. The property spans approximately 6 acres and includes a 54,700-square-foot school building built around 60 years ago, along with a 4,000-square-foot free-standing activity building. Rich explained that the sale would allow the district to repurpose the site for public use. He outlined a timeline for the transaction, stating that the city would have 60 days to conduct inspections and due diligence after the resolution is approved, followed by a 30-day period to finalize the sale. The board followed his recommendation, passing the resolution in a 7-0 vote after a motion by trustee Tina Capito. The decision comes as part of KISD’s efforts to consolidate schools. The district decommissioned Bellaire and the former Clifton Park campus in 2021, relocating students to a new Clifton Park campus at 1801 S. Second St. The sale of the Bellaire property marks another step in the district’s plan to reallocate underused facilities. In other business, the board postponed a vote on a three-year contract with Third Future Schools to operate Manor Middle School. Board President Brett E.#killeen_independent_school_district #third_future_schools #city_of_killeen #bellaire_elementary_school #tina_capito
KISD board to consider approving contract to turn over Manor Middle School to charter network | News | tdtnews.com The Killeen Independent School District (KISD) board is set to vote on a proposal to contract Third Future Schools, a charter network based in Colorado, to operate Manor Middle School. The three-year agreement would mark a significant shift in the district’s approach to public education, potentially transforming the school’s management and curriculum. The plan, outlined in a recent board meeting, involves transferring the operation of Manor Middle to Third Future Schools, which has previously managed charter schools in other states. The district’s superintendent, Ethan Housewright, emphasized the potential benefits of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration could provide students with innovative learning opportunities and greater access to resources.” However, the decision has sparked debate among parents and educators, with some expressing concerns about the impact on local control and curriculum standards. Manor Middle, a KISD school with a diverse student population, has faced challenges in recent years, including declining enrollment and budget constraints. Proponents of the contract argue that the charter model could introduce flexibility and efficiency, while critics warn of the risks associated with privatizing public education. The board’s vote is expected to take place in the coming weeks, with community members invited to provide input. If approved, the transition would require significant changes to the school’s operations, including potential staff reductions and shifts in administrative oversight.#killeen_independent_school_district #third_future_schools #manor_middle_school #ethan_housewright #kisdboard
