Safe, connected schools built with thoughtful leadership and advanced technology

In 2019, the community of El Paso, Texas, was shaken to its core by an unthinkable tragedy. Javier Amir Rodriguez, a 15-year-old sophomore at Horizon High School, was the youngest victim of a horrific mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart. It was a devastating loss for everyone in Clint Independent School Districtincluding its Superintendent, Dr. Juan Martínez, who delivered a emotional direction at his memorial.

The shooting had not taken place on a school campus, but it brought that possibility to the forefront of many minds. As the community continued to recover, Dr. Martinez and his team worked to update and strengthen technology infrastructure across the district to streamline communication and build safer, more connected learning environments on each campus.

Clear communication

Clint ISD soon implemented a robust communication platformadvanced audio systems and cameras in every classroom—improvements that would improve safety, support teachers, and increase student engagement. The new systems also gave teachers and other staff members access to simple features that add an important extra layer of security and make a huge difference overall, such as one-button emergency response for teachers and staff.

“Sometimes we have emergencies and we are alone with the students,” shared special education teacher Karina Martínez. “The fact that we have a button that we can press, even if I can't reach the wall, means I can get the help I need right away.”

Dr. Martínez explained more. “In the old days, if there was an emergency, the teacher had to run somewhere to talk to someone or send a student to talk to someone in the office,” he said. “Now there is no need to send anyone out of the classroom. You just press that button and the alarm goes off immediately.”

Equipped for other challenges

A year later, when the Covid-19 pandemic abruptly shifted learning online, Clint ISD's technology upgrades made the transition much easier than it might have otherwise been. New tools and technology worked together to help the district maintain a sense of continuity during that unprecedented time, and when students returned to classrooms, systems adapted to meet new needs.

• Cameras in classrooms that were designed for security became essential for remote teaching.
• Audio systems ensured that students learning from home could hear and communicate clearly.
• Social distancing policies had no effect on students' ability to access and understand the content they were learning.

Beyond emergencies: support for teachers and students

Clint ISD's effort and investment has made the district safer while improving daily operations and ultimately transforming teaching and learning. The PA intercom system, for example, has simplified communication between classrooms and the office.

“It is very easy for us to call and receive calls from our teachers,” said Roxanne Ruiz, principal of Horizon Middle School. “Before, we had to dial classroom numbers and press certain codes just for the bells to ring. With this system, it is just a click of a button.”

Classroom audio systems have been a game changer for teachers and students alike. Educators can now speak in a normal tone, but project their voice evenly throughout the room. This not only reduces stress on your vocal cords, but also ensures that all students can clearly hear what the teacher is saying, significantly improving the learning environment for students who need additional support with hearing, language acquisition, and attention problems.

Clint ISD is now a shining example of how, through the tragedy and challenges of a rapidly changing world, thoughtful leadership and advanced technology can still come together to create safer, more connected learning environments. Clint ISD is also giving other school districts a model to replicate; The Texas Commissioner of Education contacted Dr. Martinez to learn more about his approach, and educational leaders across the state and beyond have since launched similar initiatives.

At Boxlight, we believe that building safe, future-ready schools starts with strong, trusted partnerships. Through close collaboration, we help districts implement solutions that make campuses safer and more connected, while paving the way for innovative approaches to future challenges.

We are honored to work alongside districts like Clint ISD and all the forward-thinking educators and administrators who are driving change, setting new standards, and doing things that haven't been done before. This work makes it possible for schools to achieve extraordinary results while creating better learning environments for everyone.

Learn more about Clint ISD technology updates here.